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
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Common questions
How long does DOC NYC run in 2026?
The 2026 festival runs November 11 through November 29 — nineteen days, considerably longer than a typical festival week.
Which theatres host the festival?
The main venues are IFC Center in Greenwich Village, the SVA Theatre in Chelsea and Village East by Angelika in the East Village.
Do filmmakers actually attend?
Yes — DOC NYC is built around in-person Q&As, and the majority of premieres have the director or film subjects on stage afterwards.
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