Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

08/26/2026

📽️ Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival launches its 19th year, gathering us together in vibrant celebration of non-fiction film and those who make it happen. The festival will take place from April 15-18, 2027.

Submissions to SDFF 2027, are open to any independent non-fiction filmmakers, from every part of the world. Proudly progressive, we often highlight social justice, journalism, hybrid content and style. Films are chosen for excellence in craft, character, storytelling and authenticity.

We relish being introduced to experience beyond our own. Music, memoirs, history and fun; nature’s grandeur, art and design.

Do you have a story that needs to be told? Don't wait to apply to the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival! The regular submission deadline is Monday, August 31.

06/04/2026

Dates announced for 2027: April 15-18, 2027. Submissions open at sebdocs.org

06/03/2026

A few highlights from SDFF 2026

04/16/2026

What an incredible 2026 Documentary Film Festival -filled with powerful films, meaningful conversations, and an inspiring sense of community.

Thank you to the filmmakers for sharing your stories and vision, to our volunteers, sponsors, and staff for making it all possible, and to our audience for showing up with curiosity and heart.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that continues to learn, connect, and grow through documentary film.

If you missed the film festival, you can still purchase a streaming pass to view films online through April 26: The Right Pass for Every Person, Get Yours Today! | SDFF 2026

Storytelling

04/14/2026

Come work with us Sebastopol Center for the Arts - now hiring a Program Manager - Arts Education! Help build our youth, adult education programs and literary arts programs. For more info, visit:

Where Passion Meets PurposeJoin us at SebArts and be part of a team that is committed to harnessing the power of art for positive change. Together, we can create a world where art becomes a catalyst for a brighter future. Explore our career opportunities and embark on a journey where your art truly....

04/08/2026

The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival Opening Night is tomorrow at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts!

Join us for Harlan County, USA—the groundbreaking, Academy Award®–winning documentary that kicks off this year’s Opening Reception.

Directed by Barbara Kopple, the film captures the raw, unflinching story of a coal miners’ strike in Kentucky. Powerful, deeply human, and revolutionary in its approach, Harlan County, USA forever changed documentary filmmaking.

Join us on April 9th for this unforgettable screening—and a chance to meet Barbara Kopple herself. The perfect way to begin the festival, together on the big screen.

📍 Opening Reception | Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival

04/08/2026

Thanks Press Democrat - tickets on sale now! Festival starts on Thursday.

Now in its 19th year, the festival — an Oscar qualifier for short-form documentaries — will present 55 short and feature-length films April 9-12.

04/07/2026

We have so many amazing film makers coming to the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival this week!

Get ready for real stories. Incredible filmmakers. Films that stay with you long after the credits roll 🎥

Head to sebastopolfilm.org to grab your tickets now 🎬

04/06/2026

Thank you SFGATE for featuring SDFF in the Entertainment section in today's edition!