Lunenburg Doc Fest

Lunenburg Doc Fest 12th Annual: September 17-21, 2025
Lunenburg-based film festival and conference celebrating documentary film

Meet the filmmakers, share the experience, take part in Q&As and discover the beauty and wonder of factual films. Lunenburg Doc Fest is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing documentary films that entertain, educate, inspire and enrich the lives of Lunenburg citizens and visitors. The Lunenburg Doc Fest endeavours to create a diverse program that covers a broad range of form, subject,

styles and points of view while creating a cultural experience and place of connection between filmmakers and film enthusiasts in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

RAIN DATE! Due to forecasted rain and current wind speed, Cookie Queens at the Docs on the Dock has been moved to Monday...
08/30/2026

RAIN DATE! Due to forecasted rain and current wind speed, Cookie Queens at the Docs on the Dock has been moved to Monday, August 31. Same everything, different night. Stay safe!

DEADLINE EXTENDED to August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AT. More Time! We’re giving everyone a break by adding another week ...
08/28/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED to August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AT. More Time! We’re giving everyone a break by adding another week to the pitch contest deadline. We know you have great ideas and might need a bit more time to put them down on paper.

First time hearing about it? And you have a documentary idea you can’t stop thinking about? Bring it to The Launch! 🎬

The Launch 2026 is Lunenburg Doc Fest’s documentary pitch contest for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers across Atlantic Canada.

Five finalists will develop their pitches with industry professionals, attend The Dock Market, connect with the documentary community, and pitch their projects live at Lunenburg Doc Fest.

No pitching experience? No problem. If you have a story you care about and an idea you want to explore, we want to hear from you!

🏆 One winner will receive over $20,000 in cash and in-kind filmmaking support to bring their short documentary to life.

📅 Apply by August 31, 11:59pm (AT) via the link in our bio.

The Launch 2026 is presented in association with CBC, Canada Media Fund, and others.

08/26/2026

Engage the sprockets! This year’s sizzle reel is ready to feel - and - the full program for the 13th Edition of Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23-27, 2026, is now available. The documentary dates and times are up on the Film Schedule, the Festival Guide is popping with colour and information, and this teaser reel you’ve been watching is sizzling for all to feel.

“We are very excited for film fans and filmmakers to feast on this curated experience,” says Walter Forsyth, Festival Director of the Lunenburg Doc Fest. “We’ve intentionally made the festival more accessible through special pricing for first timers and students. Audiences will get to see more documentaries on topics of great interest to Nova Scotians. More filmmakers will receive meaningful support with cash awards and mentorship. And festival goers will love the new venues and socials we’ve added to celebrate local arts and culture.”

🎬 73 documentaries
🎟️ 2 new passes for students and first-timers
✨ 36 premieres (4 World, 9 Canadian, 23 Atlantic Canadian)
🏆 Oscar hopefuls included

CURIOUS?
READ OUR NEWS RELEASE

https://www.lunenburgdocfest.com/news/lunenburg-doc-fest-full-program

WATCH TRAILERS

https://www.lunenburgdocfest.com/2026-festival/film-guide

Plus, we recommend you drop down to our website footer to subscribe to our General News newsletter. We will have more news to share.

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Thank you to all of our supporters at every level and type, including our Spotlight Sponsors Province of Nova Scotia, Telefilm Canada, Anonymous, Canadian Heritage, Canada Media Fund, CBC Maritimes, and Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

P.S. Good to know! Passes are the best value. Stay at least one night in Lunenburg. The opening gala is a full film festival experience. Early Bird discounts end September 11, 2026.

08/24/2026

Guess what?! 🍪👑 Cookies Queens is screening at Docs on the Dock this Sunday, August 30 at sunset (around 8:15 p.m. AT) on Zwicker Wharf, Lunenburg, N.S.

🎬 A celebration of girlhood and the complexities that come with it, COOKIE QUEENS is a coming-of-age story about the joys, pressures, and pain points woven into one of America’s most cherished rituals: Girl Scout Cookie season. Captivating, candid, and full of heart, the film follows four girls ages five to twelveand their families as they navigate the annual whirlwind of selling, striving, and succeeding.

So - grab your camping chairs and cozy blankets. We’ll bring the film and popcorn.

🎥 Docs on the Dock is an outdoor movie series presented by Lunenburg Doc Fest and partners. The screenings for 2026 are taking place on Sundays at sunset from August 30 to September 20. The event is free or donate-what-you-can.

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🐦‍⬛ Early bird discounts for the Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23-27, 2026 m, are available now and passes are the best deal.

Links in bio.

September is nigh, early bird prices are available now, and organizers of The Dock Market are calling you to Lunenburg, ...
08/21/2026

September is nigh, early bird prices are available now, and organizers of The Dock Market are calling you to Lunenburg, September 25-27, 2026.

The Dock Market is the industry conference portion of Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23-37, 2026. It’s where filmmakers and industry professionals meet to talk business, socialize, and enjoy this year’s selection of documentary films. The setting is a character at The Dock Market, too. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is in one of the most picturesque harbour towns in the world, officially designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site and brimming with classic Maritime hospitality.

Get your Industry Pass now. Because access matters in the documentary film industry, The Dock Market 2026 opens a lot of doors.

An Industry Pass includes access to:
📍The Gala & Gala Film
📍All film screenings
📍Full The Dock Market offerings (presentations, panels, 1-TO-1 meetings, and The Launch 2026 pitch competition)
📍Invitations to formal and casual networking and social activities

Are you ready to join us?! Link in Bio.

Have a documentary idea you can’t stop thinking about? Bring it to The Launch! 🎬The Launch 2026 is Lunenburg Doc Fest’s ...
08/19/2026

Have a documentary idea you can’t stop thinking about? Bring it to The Launch! 🎬

The Launch 2026 is Lunenburg Doc Fest’s documentary pitch contest for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers across Atlantic Canada.

Five finalists will develop their pitches with industry professionals, attend The Dock Market, connect with the documentary community, and pitch their projects live at Lunenburg Doc Fest.

No pitching experience? No problem. If you have a story you care about and an idea you want to explore, we want to hear from you!

🏆 One winner will receive over $20,000 in cash and in-kind filmmaking support to bring their short documentary to life.
📅 Apply by August 28, 11:59pm (AT) via the link in our bio.

Meet you at sunset! Lunenburg Doc Fest will bring the films and popcorn. You bring the chair and blanket.Let’s plan to g...
08/19/2026

Meet you at sunset! Lunenburg Doc Fest will bring the films and popcorn. You bring the chair and blanket.

Let’s plan to get comfy and gaze at the screen wrapped in a harbour view.

2026 Docs on the Dock Schedule:
✨Aug. 30 - Cookie Queens
✨Sep. 6 - The Oldest Person in the World
✨Sep. 13 - Time and Water
✨Sep. 20 - The Oldham Man and the Sea

Basic details:
📍Location - Zwicker Wharf, 146 Bluenose Dr, Lunenburg, N.S.
📍Price - Free or donate-what-you-can
📍Amenities - Free popcorn, Tide and Trail snack shop, nearby public washroom, and wheelchair accessible
📍Rain dates - Posted on the website page as needed.

Docs on the Dock is an outdoor theatre experience presented by Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23-27, 2026, and supported by Build Nova Scotia, Canadian Heritage, Lunenburg Board of Trade, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Communities, Culture, and Heritage, Star Power Atlantic, Telefilm Canada, Bay Ferries Ltd., the Town of Bridgewater, and the Town of Lunenburg.

Curious? Watch the trailers via our Film Schedule. Link in Bio.

Book an ad in the LDF Program Guide or join our volunteer crew - or both! The Lunenburg Doc Fest is a time for supportin...
08/17/2026

Book an ad in the LDF Program Guide or join our volunteer crew - or both! The Lunenburg Doc Fest is a time for supporting each other in our grand pursuits.

💕Volunteer Crew - Help is needed with The Dock Market industry conference along with many other Lunenburg Doc Fest positions. Apply with our online form.

🛍️ Program Guide - Promote your business by having your ad on every attendee’s phone. Book by email [email protected]
DEADLINE TO BOOK IS AUGUST 21.

And don’t forget - passes are the best deal and they are on sale now at early bird prices.

🔗 Links in bio

Look for us! Our volunteer crew is on site, ready to talk documentaries. And happy to be at our favourite market.
08/13/2026

Look for us! Our volunteer crew is on site, ready to talk documentaries. And happy to be at our favourite market.

Address

Box 1497
Lunenburg, NS
B0J2C0

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm

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