The Doc Screenings International Documentary Film Festival

Doc Screenings International focuses on documentary films that explore real-world issues, human stories, culture, science, health, and social change. We are especially interested in films that provoke thought, deepen understanding, and spark dialogue.

General Terms:

The official festival language is English.
The festival accepts projects (films and music videos) in any language, but all non-English submissions must have English subtitles (burned-in or .srt format).
The festival only accepts digital submissions (via web links or uploads to the festival platform). DVDs or physical submissions are not accepted.
All films must have been completed in production no earlier than 2019.
The submission fee is non-refundable.
The festival does not provide fee waivers.
Submissions are completed via credit card or PayPal through the platforms listed on the festival website.
The festival organizers reserve the right to make changes to the screening format, venue, and schedule if necessary.

Selection Process & Screening Conditions:

Submitted projects go through a preliminary selection process. Not all submitted projects will be accepted.
Preliminary accepted projects may be included in the festival Long List if they align with the festival’s vision and meet the initial criteria.
Long-listed projects may receive a dedicated informational page on the festival’s website:
- This page does not provide access to watch the project outside of festival screenings.
- It serves to promote the project within the festival’s network and industry community.
The final Official Selection is determined after further review of content, quality, and required materials.
All the official selected projects receive official selected laurels by email.
Projects will only be screened if all necessary materials are provided on time, including:
- A high-quality screener (MP4 or MOV format)
- English subtitles (if applicable)
- Trailer and promotional materials (if available)
The festival reserves the right not to screen a selected project if:
- Technical issues prevent proper projection.
- The provided materials do not meet the required quality standards.
- The filmmaker does not submit the required materials by the deadline.
Online screenings are optional. If a filmmaker does not wish for their project to be shown on the Festival Channel, they must inform the festival in advance. Films selected for the Festival Channel are available only to registered and invited viewers during the festival dates.

Audience Voting & Feedback:

The audience rates projects screened at live events and on the Festival Channel based on multiple criteria, such as Directing, Cinematography, Acting, Music/Sound Design, Storytelling/Script, Overall Impact
Filmmakers receive their project’s audience ratings and feedback after the festival.
Audience reviews are posted on the project’s informational page on the festival website for additional visibility.

Venue & Schedule Adjustments:

The festival screenings take place at venues determined by the festival producers.
The festival reserves the right to change the screening venue, format, and/or schedule at its sole discretion. This may occur due to external circumstances, including but not limited to: Venue availability changes, Safety concerns or unforeseen restrictions, Technical issues affecting screenings, Force majeure or other unexpected disruptions etc.

Awards & Prizes:

The Festival Jury determines the Category Award Winners.
The Fan Award Winner is determined by public voting on social media (based on Likes, Shares, and Saves).
The Channel Audience Choice Award Winner is determined by voting on the Festival Channel.
The Festival Winner is determined by live audience voting at the event.
The festival reserves the right not to award certain categories if no project meets the necessary The festival reserves the right to rename award categories to better reflect the winning project’s strengths.
All winners receive digital laurels, certificates, and diplomas via email.
Officially selected but not awarded Projects receive the certificates via email.

Filmmaker Support & Additional Opportunities

All selected projects, including Long-listed and Official Selection projects, may receive distribution and promotion offers from our team and partners.
Projects will have dedicated informational pages on the festival website, featuring:
- Audience reviews and feedback
- Project details for visibility among festival attendees and potential buyers
- The page will remain accessible for one month after the festival and may be extended.
Selected and awarded films may be offered follow-up support in the form of festival strategy guidance, audience analysis reports, and curated VOD outreach opportunities through the Live Screenings Network team.