About
America's largest documentary festival takes over IFC Center, SVA Theatre and Village East for nineteen days of nonfiction premieres.
DOC NYC is where the documentary year gets decided: its Short List screenings have become a reliable preview of the Academy Award nonfiction race, and directors turn up in person to take questions after almost every premiere. Nineteen days across three Manhattan cinemas means you can dip in for one film or build an entire fortnight around it. If you have ever left a documentary wanting to argue with the filmmaker, this is the festival where you actually can.
What to expect
Screenings run morning to late night across three venues, with most followed by a Q&A featuring the director or subjects. Buy in advance for the buzzy premieres and the Short List titles, which sell out first. Between films there are panels, and the lobby at IFC Center becomes an informal documentary-world hangout.
Good to know
- IFC Center is at West 4th Street-Washington Square (A/B/C/D/E/F/M); SVA Theatre is near 23rd Street on the C/E or 1
- Short List and world-premiere screenings sell out well before the festival, so book the ones you care about early
- Festival passes are worth it if you plan more than four or five films; single tickets are fine for a casual visit
- Most screenings include a filmmaker Q&A, so budget an extra 20-30 minutes beyond the runtime
- Good for anyone who follows the Oscar documentary race, and for film students who want access to directors
- All three main venues are wheelchair accessible; check individual screens for assistive listening
More film this weekend
Common questions
When does DOC NYC run in person and online?
In-person screenings run Wednesday, November 11, through Thursday, November 19, while online viewing continues through Sunday, November 29.
Which venues host the in-person festival?
DOC NYC lists IFC Center, SVA Theatre, The New School and Village East by Angelika as its four screening venues.
How much are DOC NYC film tickets?
Regular in-person screenings cost $20, select weekday screenings cost $15, and online screenings cost $13 for general admission.
Do screenings include filmmaker question-and-answer sessions?
Most in-person screenings have a Q&A afterward, and admission is included with the film ticket.
What can I do if a screening is sold out?
A rush line forms one hour before showtime, with any released tickets distributed first come, first served.
Can I stream festival films outside New York?
Online films are available across the United States, with each viewing subject to the availability window shown for that title.