CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD QUALIFYING

* 2022 FESTIVAL & MARKET • HYBRID

• All films and conference online, plus onsite film and social events! •

Sept 22-28, 2022

LUNENBURG DOC FEST showcases documentary films that entertain, educate and inspire, creating a cultural experience and place of connection between filmmakers and film enthusiasts 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.

While officially selected films will be showcased online, filmmakers and audience members attending our 2022 festival in person can anticipate an exciting program of special onsite social events by (or on!) the sea.

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

THE DOCK MARKET ONLINE • • • For filmmakers seeking support, exposure and opportunities for their projects, the The Dock Market 1-to-1 meetings offers a valuable opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry partners and decision-makers.

The Dock Market industry conference also includes Hot Docs Doc Ignite workshops as well as expert-led masterclasses, round tables, and panels. Should public health guidelines allow, Lunenburg Doc Fest will also host exclusive 'destination' networking events onsite in the beautiful seaside town of UNESCO Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Awards & Prizes

An honorarium will be awarded to each documentary selected for screening at the 9th annual Lunenburg Doc Fest.

LDF offers the following for each feature-length documentary selection:

*** UPDATE: There will be limited onsite programming in 2022 and thus limited travel, accommodation, and harbour cruise support for filmmakers in 2022 ***

• Screening fee payable to the film’s Director or Producer or Distributor or to a representative the director authorizes in writing.
• Travel support for one director within Canada/USA, or travel stipend to filmmaker outside of Canada/USA, as arranged by LDF (when possible)
• Airport transfer for one filmmaker from Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Enfield, NS, to Lunenburg, NS, upon request with a two-week advanced notice (when possible)
• Accommodation (2 nights) for one filmmaker as arranged by LDF (when possible)
• Consideration for the Feature Documentary Jury Award
• Consideration for the Audience Award
• One full Industry Pass to all films and The Dock Market for 1 director or producer
• Filmmaker events including pre-screening introductions, post-screening Q&As as well as industry panels, workshops, round tables, masterclasses, and networking opportunities
• Lunenburg Harbour Sunset Cruise with lobster and local brews for attending filmmakers and industry experts (when possible)

An award will be presented for each of the following categories:

• Feature Documentary Award ($1000 cash award + trophy)
• Audience Award ($1000 cash award + trophy)
• Short Film Award (crystal award)
• Atlantic Filmmaker Award (in-kind services award)
• Youth Bursary Award ($1000 cash bursary)

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 the country, yet does take previous screening regions and platforms plus filmmaker availability into consideration when making official selections.

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alex and Olmsted

    We feel deeply honored to have participated in the 2021 Lunenburg Doc Fest with our short puppet film, "Marianne's Onion." Although we were unable to travel to Nova Scotia, the festival offered virtual opportunities to connect. We were impressed with the programming and would love to attend the festival in person one day, regardless of whether we create another eligible film.

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Alex and Olmsted! It was a pleasure to share your film. We look forward to your future projects. All the best, The LDF Team

  • Nigel Edwards

    Would have loved to visit this festival in person. Virtual festival was just not quite as fun and some titles were geo-blocked. Hoping to submit again in the future!

    November 2021
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  • Charmaine Kachibaia

    I am endlessly grateful to Lunenburg Doc Fest for the opportunity to share FEELINGS OF INVISIBILITY in their Reframed: The Ability In Disability program. Winning best short film was the icing on the cake to a very well organized festival. Their commitment to creating networking opportunities for filmmakers was incredible too! Thank you to everyone involved for all their hard work.

    October 2021
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  • Millefiore Clarkes

    One of the highest quality festivals with the coziest vibe.

    October 2021
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  • Olesya Shyvikova

    This festival is one of the best. The screening venue at the opera house is very special. The selection of films is impressive. But the most impressive are industry events. They really put a lot of thought into it and connect all the key players in a very harmonious manner. Kudos to the organizers!

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Olesya!