The True to Life Documentary Film Series is an evolving documentary showcase dedicated to authentic storytelling, social reflection, human experience, and real-world perspectives from filmmakers across the globe. Now operating as an exclusive Film Village Streaming festival event, the festival has expanded beyond traditional screenings to provide year-round opportunities for documentary filmmakers seeking meaningful exposure and audience engagement.

Focused on independent and emerging voices, the True to Life Documentary Festival creates a platform for documentaries that explore culture, history, social issues, personal journeys, investigative topics, and untold stories that inspire conversation and awareness. Through its integration with Film Village Streaming, participating filmmakers are offered opportunities for non-exclusive film distribution, allowing creators to retain ownership and flexibility while expanding their reach to viewers worldwide through digital streaming access.

In addition to festival screenings, selected filmmakers may participate in filmmaker interviews, promotional spotlights, educational discussions, and curated streaming showcases designed to extend the life and visibility of their work beyond the festival environment. By combining the accessibility of streaming technology with the spirit of independent documentary filmmaking, the True to Life Documentary Festival continues to build a creator-focused experience that supports artistic freedom, global accessibility, and long-term audience discovery for nonfiction storytellers.

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Awards & Prizes

Awards are given for the following categories:

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Student Film

Rules & Terms

SELECTION OF WINNERS & PRIZES

FILMS WILL BE SELECTED BY FILM VILLAGE JURY ALONG WITH THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMMER & PRODUCER. FROM THESE SELECTED FILMS THE TRUE TO LIFE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED.

FILM VILLAGE IS NOT LIABLE NOR WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS OR UNAUTHORIZED MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED IN THE FILM. IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO SECURE PROPER PERMISSION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OF MUSIC, STOCK FOOTAGE OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL WHICH COULD VIOLATE ANOTHER ENTITY’S COPYRIGHT OR EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE MATERIAL.

FILM SUBMISSION NOTES

 FILMS MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITHIN THE LAST THREE (3) YEARS
 IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED, YOU MUST PROVIDE A HIGH RES MP4
 ALL NON-ENGLISH FILMS MUST HAVE ENGLISH SUBTITLES
 NO EDITS OR CHANGES WILL BE MADE IN FILMS BY FILM VILLAGE FOR ANY REASON
 FILM VILLAGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO INVITE FILMS
 THE SUBMISSION OF ALL FILMS REPRESENTS AN AGREEMENT TO THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN THE RELEASE FORM AND THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

I hereby agree to permit my film to be screened at the True To Life Documentary Series. I am the sole owner of all legal rights and title and have the authority to submit the enclosed materials to Film Village. I guarantee that all rights necessary for a film festival screening have been obtained.

I will indemnify and hold harmless the Film Village, individually and collectively, from and against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including, but not limited to attorney’s fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, publicity, screening, credits, and loss of or damage to the screening materials entered.

I understand that, unless otherwise specified, Film Village provides no financial compensation for any exhibition of my work.

Film Village reserves the right to use the submitted publicity information, photos, and excerpts in its marketing and publicity, including online formats, for the festival and any other uses related to the promotion of the festival.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vangelis Fampas

    We are deeply honored to have been chosen as the winners in 2023 edition of True to Life Film Series with our film "Farewell". We wish the Festival all the best and we hope to participate in a future edition with a new film!!

    February 2024
    Helpful
  • Clint Gaige

    Really solid awards program. We didn't win in our category, but we felt the judging was fair and comprehensive. And it was clear that the work had been really looked over because during the networking segment, we received feedback that would only come from in depth jurying. Everyone was incredible. The crew working the event were excellent.

    October 2016
    Helpful
  • Shawn Leister-Frazier

    This was such a great and exciting experience. IndieCaptiol did a terrific job making film makers and actors feel that their work is greatly appreciated in the DMV area. From interviews, to photographs, to awards and even beautiful nomination certificates, they really thought of everyone. I also made a lot of new worth while connections. If you're in the DMV area, this is something you should apply to without hesitation.

    October 2016
    Helpful