Docs Ireland is back for our 8th year and this is your chance to be part of it! We are inviting submissions for Docs Ireland 8 which will take place in June 2026.

Docs Ireland is an annual programme of events showcasing the Irish documentary industry. It’s the only festival of it's kind in Ireland, run by the team behind Belfast Film Festival. Docs Ireland showcases high quality documentaries that inspire, educate and enliven cultural discourse.

Documentary is the medium, now more than ever, that helps us make sense of the strange times we are living through. Throughout the festival we will present new and international documentaries, shorts and features, and will host industry events including a marketplace, pitching sessions, masterclasses, new talent focus and funding information events.

For further information on Docs Ireland visit www.docsireland.ie

Awards & Prizes

As well as our long standing award for Best Observational Documentary (The Maysles award) there will be cash prizes for Best Short Irish Documentary and The Pull Focus Award for Best Irish Feature Documentary.

Rules & Terms

PULL FOCUS Irish Documentary Features
Entries MUST be:
1. Completed in the LAST year (i.e. between Jan 2025 - 1 April 2026)
2. The film's Director(s) MUST be from the island of Ireland, or based on the island of Ireland.
3. Over 60 minutes in length.
4. Be submitted online, via FilmFreeway.
5. Rough Cuts are accepted - please make note of this on submission.

THE MAYSLES BROTHERS DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Documentaries must be:
1. Strictly OBSERVATIONAL. Observational Documentary is a type of documentary filmmaking, it is sometimes referred to as cinéma vérité, direct cinema, or fly-on-the-wall filmmaking.
2. Over 60 minutes in length.
3. OBSERVATIONAL.
4. Completed between Jan 2025 - April 2026.

SHORT IRISH DOCUMENTARY
Submissions in this category are for filmmakers over 25 years of age. For filmmakers under 25 - please see Short Irish Documentary - Under 25 category to avail of a discounted submission fee.
Entries MUST be:
1. Completed in the LAST year (i.e.between Jan 2025 - April 2026)
2. Filmmaker Is from, or is based, anywhere on the island of Ireland. Please email us if you have made a film ABOUT Ireland but have no other Irish Connections, for eligibility.
3. Be 19 minutes or under.
4. Be submitted online, via FilmFreeway.
5. Is NOT available publicly online.

UNDER 25 - SHORT IRISH DOCUMENTARY - FREE ENTRY
Submissions in this category will be considered for the main Short Irish Documentary Competition. If you are a Director age 25 or under please email james@docsireland.ie for a waiver.
Entries MUST:
1. Completed in the LAST year (i.e.between Jan 2024 - April 2025)
2. Director is 25 or Under.
3. Director Is from, or is based, anywhere on the island of Ireland.
4. Be 19 minutes or under.
5. Be submitted online via FilmFreeway.
6. Is NOT available publicly online.

No refunds will be given in the event of failure to comply to (or READ!!) the T&C's.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Hospitality
Networking
  • Sarah Griffin

    I had a wonderful time screening my short, Moved, with Docs Ireland. The venue was lovely, and the people even lovelier. James was a pleasure to deal with from the first email, and then at the festival itself I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness and professionalism of the questions he asked the filmmakers during our Q&A session. Overall a brilliant experience and I would highly recommend submitting your docs to this festival. Whether as a participant or an audience member, I will definitely be returning next year. Thank you Docs Ireland!

    July 2025
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  • Sara Gunn-Smith

    We had a brilliant time screening our debut feature doc Gama Bomb: Survival of the Fastest at Docs Ireland. The comms, marketing, tech - everything was great. We'd highly recommend submitting your films to this festival/attending as a delegate as the networking and industry events are of a very high standard and there is a great buzz around the venues.

    July 2024
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  • Chris Molloy

    Had the privilege of showing some work at the 2024 Docs Ireland festival. Fantastic experience, great communication and a wonderful program in a variety of beautiful venues across Belfast. Thank you to the Docs Ireland family and congratulations on another great year!

    July 2024
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  • Elena Horgan

    A really amazing festival. Highly recommend visiting! Thanks to James and the team for all your hard work - it was such a special weekend!

    July 2024
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  • Marcella O'Connor

    Docs Ireland is an inspiring film festival for filmmakers working in the documentary genre.

    July 2023
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