We love discovering standout films through our FilmFreeway submissions – last year, more than 45% of our official selections came directly from there. Thanks to the incredible response from filmmakers, we received over $16,000 in submission fees and cash prizes, all of which went straight back to artists through screening fees. Our dedicated pre-screening team carefully reviews every submission, and we’re always excited to welcome filmmakers to Lunenburg Doc Fest to share their work with our community.

CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD QUALIFYING

2026 FESTIVAL & THE DOCK MARKET* • All films and social events on-site. Conference on-site and online. • Sept 23-27, 2026

Lunenburg Doc Fest's mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire by showcasing the documentary art form and creating a cultural connection between audiences and artists in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

LDF presents a diverse slate of international documentaries across style, subject, geographic origins, and points of view.

Filmmakers and audience members attending our 2026 festival can anticipate an exciting program of special on-site social events by (or on!) the sea.

We look forward to once again inviting and supporting your trip to join us on Nova Scotia’s picturesque South Shore for evocative fact-based films, industry workshops and panels, The Dock Market 1-to1 meetings, community events, industry networking harbour cruise (with lobster and local brews), gala, socials, celebrations and more.

*THE DOCK MARKET
For filmmakers seeking support, exposure, professional development and opportunities for their projects, the The Dock Market offers a valuable opportunity to meet with industry partners, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters and funders. The conference includes 1-to-1 meetings, workshops, masterclasses, round tables, panels and exclusive 'destination' networking events.

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FEATURE FILM SELECTION BENEFITS
Each feature-length documentary selected receives:

• Screening fee (paid to the Director, Producer, or Distributor)
• Travel support and accommodations for one filmmaker (when possible)
• Airport transfer from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Lunenburg (with two weeks’ notice, when possible)
• Eligibility for juried awards (International, Canadian, Atlantic) and the $1,000 Audience Award
• Full Industry Pass to all screenings and Dock Market sessions
• Access to filmmaker introductions, Q&As, panels, workshops, and social events.

Awards & Prizes

Lunenburg Doc Fest 2026 is proud to pay screening fees: all docs selected will receive an honorarium.

We offer awards totalling over $36,000 in cash and services. An award will be presented for each of the following categories:

• The Pamela Segger Canadian Documentary Award – CAD $1000 and trophy
• Best International Documentary – CAD $1000 and trophy
•  Best Environmental Film – CAD $1000 and trophy
• The Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary – CAD $1000 and trophy
• The Audience Choice Award for Best Short - CAD $500 and trophy
• Best Canadian Short Doc Award – CAD $500 and trophy
• Best International Short Doc Award – CAD $500 and trophy
• Best Atlantic Canadian Filmmaker Award - CAD $500, $10,000 in services and trophy
• We also have a live pitch event awarding over $20,000 in cash and services.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submitting a film constitutes an agreement to provide an exhibition copy for screening if selected.

PREMIERES: The festival considers films that have screened in Canada, yet takes previous screening regions and platforms plus filmmaker availability into consideration when making official selections.

By submitting your film, you agree to be added to our newsletter unless you opt out. You can opt out at any time.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Abigail Child

    Lunenburg Festival was wonderful and ultimately welcoming. PRECIPICE had two sold out shows, with tickets disappearing within 24 hours. Exciting audiences.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Venn Diagram Films Films

    Great fest! Will apply again.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Richard James Allen

    Karen Pearlman and I were delighted that 'Impossible Image' was selected to screen at the Lunenburg Doc Fest. Everyone was so kind and helpful via correspondence, I only wish we could have attended the festival and market in person.

    September 2024
    Helpful
  • Abby Berendt Lavoi

    Lunenburg Doc Fest was such a wonderful experience. We truly loved how genuine and kind everyone from the staff was, and really felt that they wanted to share our film with everyone. The Dock Market was also a great time and we enjoyed getting to know people and connecting with others. Lunenburg is a fabulous festival -- we can't say enough good things about it!

    October 2022
    Helpful
  • Cat Mills

    I love the Lunenburg Doc Fest. The programmers are some of the nicest I've ever met and the festival is a lot of fun. I've been programmed twice, for Biker Bob's Posthumous Adventure and Me, Mahmoud and the Mint Plant. The organizers always made us feel welcome and the networking was awesome.
    Highly recommend submitting (also, Lunenburg is super pretty and the seafood is so good!!)

    October 2022
    Helpful