Submit Your Film to the 2026 DOKer International Documentary Film Festival
This form is for Russian-produced documentary films only. Submissions are open until July 3, 2026. To submit a foreign film, please apply through FilmFreeway. Good luck!
REGULATIONS
GENERAL PROVISIONS
- The DOKer International Documentary Film Festival (hereinafter, the "Festival") takes place annually in Moscow as a professional showcase and competition for documentary films from around the world
- In 2026, the Festival runs September 3-13
- The Festival's program schedule and screening order are determined by the Festival's management
GOALS
- Fostering cultural exchange and collaboration among documentary filmmakers worldwide
- Showcasing contemporary, relevant nonfiction cinema from around the world to Russian audiences
- Broadening awareness of global documentary filmmaking and its role in the arts
- Elevating the standing of nonfiction film and its importance in society
- Promoting and supporting new trends and directions in contemporary documentary filmmaking
- Introducing international film industry professionals to Russian documentary cinema
- Discovering new talent and supporting the creative development of emerging documentary filmmakers
PROGRAM
Competition:
- Feature-length documentaries (45 minutes or longer)
- Short documentaries (under 45 minutes)
- Documentaries about information technology, any length
- Special screenings and informational sessions
- "Doc Therapy" program (documentaries on mental health)
- "DOKer Art" program (documentaries about art)
- "Doc Station" program (Russian documentaries)
- Seminars and master classes
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
- Films may be submitted by film companies, studios, independent producers, distributors, and any other rights holders
- Feature and short documentaries from any country are eligible for competition, in their original language with English or Russian subtitles, provided they were completed on or after January 1, 2025
- Films entering the Feature Competition must not have previously screened in the Russian Federation
- Films entering the Short Film Competition must not have previously screened in Moscow
- The Festival does not accept films that have aired on Russian television or that have been made available for free online viewing
- To submit a film, applicants must officially register by completing the online form and providing a screener for the selection committee — either through the international festival platform FilmFreeway or by filling out this form (Russian filmmakers only) — no later than July 3, 2026
- Submission is free of charge for Russian filmmakers
- The Festival will notify applicants of their film's program placement no later than August 3, 2026
- The Selection Committee has final say on which films are included in the Festival's competition program, and reserves the right to decline entries without explanation or comment
DOCUMENTATION
For each selected film, the Festival must receive the following materials:
- English-language dialogue list (for foreign-language films)
- Digital copy of the film for subtitling (for foreign-language films)
- Synopsis
- Director's bio and photo
- Film stills
- Poster
- Trailer or teaser
- Any additional press, promotional, or marketing materials
- The Festival reserves the right to use participating films' visual materials and film excerpts (no more than 10% of the film's runtime, and no longer than 3 minutes) for the purpose of informing audiences and promoting the Festival.
FILM COPY DELIVERY
- Copies of films accepted into the competition and non-competition programs must be received by the Festival no later than August 10, 2026
- Acceptable screening formats: DCP or high-resolution digital files (Apple ProRes, MOV). Detailed technical specifications will be sent individually to all selected participants
- Screening copies must have burned-in English subtitles if the film is not in English
- Films may be delivered to the Festival via the Festival's FTP server
- The cost of physically shipping the film copy to the Festival is covered by the participant
- Return shipping costs are covered by the Festival. Copies will be sent back to rights holders within three weeks of the Festival's conclusion
GUESTS
- Directors of films selected for the Festival's programs are invited to attend. If a director is unable to attend, they may, in coordination with the organizing committee, transfer their invitation to another member of the film's crew
- The Festival provides representatives of competition films with a visa invitation letter for Russia and three nights of hotel accommodation
- All other questions regarding guest invitations, length and terms of stay, and festival accreditation are decided by the Festival's management
JURY
- An international jury of three members is formed to evaluate the Feature Film Competition, and a separate jury of three members for the Short Film Competition
- Jury members may not include anyone involved in the production or commercial distribution of films entered in the competition
PRIZES
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Documentary
- Jury Prize for Best Short Documentary
- Jury Prize for Best Director (Feature Documentary)
- Jury Prize for Best Cinematography (Feature Documentary)
- Jury Prize for Best Sound (Feature Documentary)
- Jury Prize for Best Editing (Feature Documentary)
- Audience Award for Best Feature Film
- Audience Award for Best Film in the "Doc Station" Program
- Special Prizes from the Festival's partners and public organizations
FINAL PROVISIONS
- Participation in the Festival constitutes agreement with all provisions of these regulations
- The Festival's management reserves the right to decide any matters not covered by these regulations, in accordance with standard international film festival practice
- Festival management contact information:
- Venue: Moscow, Novy Arbat 24, KARO 11 Oktyabrya movie theater
- Phone: +7 495 115-73-69
- Email: info@midff.ru
Moscow, KARO 11 October Novy Arbat 24
FILM OVER PAPERWORK
E-mail:
Archive
About the Festival
Movie Theater:
Phone:
