Boston, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The GlobeDocs Film Festival is making a comeback with 30 fresh documentary films showcased over five days. The festival will feature two world premieres and invite discussions with filmmakers, accessible both in-person at several Boston theaters and virtually nationwide. Marking its 11th anniversary, the festival continues to focus on important themes such as motherhood and perseverance, while providing an engaging platform for community conversations and audience participation.
Boston — The GlobeDocs Film Festival returns with 30 new documentary films over five days, featuring two world premieres and a program of post-screening discussions and nationwide virtual access.
The festival is set to run from October 22 to October 27, 2023 and will be presented at multiple theaters across Greater Boston while also offering virtual screenings for remote viewers. The event is produced by The Boston Globe and marks the festival’s 11th anniversary.
Key films and premieres
The opening night program includes the film “A Life Illuminated,” directed by Tasha van Zandt, focusing on marine biologist Dr. Edith Widder. Two world premieres are on the slate: “Cathedrals” created by Don Wright and Dan Algrant, directed by Algrant, and “Croft,” directed by Brandon Millett and Jonathon Link. The festival’s centerpiece film is “The Stringer,” directed by Bao Nguyen, investigating the famous Vietnam War photograph “The Terror of War.” The closing film is “Ask E. Jean,” directed by Ivy Meeropol, about E. Jean Carroll, who notably won a court case against Donald Trump.
Screenings, access and discussions
In-person screenings will occur at the following venues:
- Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline
- The Brattle Theatre in Cambridge
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Boston Seaport
Virtual screenings are accessible to viewers nationwide. Each screening will include a discussion with filmmakers, moderated by Boston Globe journalists, and audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly during post-film conversations. Attendees have the chance to vote for the Audience Award for both feature and short films.
Program themes and topics
The festival’s lineup covers a range of contemporary issues and personal stories. Significant themes for this year include exploration of motherhood and perseverance. The lineup includes documentaries on the motherhood crisis, mental health, political activism, and artistic expression, and many films offer insights into global issues affecting contemporary society. Several documentaries examine the intersection of individual struggles and broader cultural phenomena.
Festival format and highlights
The GlobeDocs program allows audiences to view selected festival features prior to their streaming premieres, including some films that screen before a scheduled Netflix debut. Post-film discussions are a hallmark of the festival, inviting filmmakers and audiences to engage deeply after screenings. The festival schedule pairs screenings with moderated conversations to encourage community involvement and deeper understanding of the subjects on screen.
History and attendance
The festival is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. Previous screenings over the past decade have included 258 films and featured over 300 filmmakers and special guests. Notable past guests have included Jimmy Chin, Ai Weiwei, and Frederick Wiseman. Organizers emphasize community conversations and educational value, and regular attendees continue to cite the festival’s mix of local screenings and national access as a draw. Marcia Gonzalez and Kathleen Caulfield, regular attendees, express their excitement over the festival and its programming.
Logistics and audience information
All in-person venues will host moderated post-screening discussions. The festival program offers a mix of feature-length and short documentaries, with opportunities for audience voting and filmmaker engagement. Producers and programming staff have organized screenings at multiple theaters across Greater Boston while ensuring that virtual options remain available for nationwide audiences.
How the festival engages viewers
Organizers highlight the festival’s role in fostering conversations through documentary filmmaking and community discussion. Linda Henry, CEO of Boston Globe Media, emphasizes the festival’s role in fostering conversations through documentary filmmaking. The festival continues to position itself as a forum for storytelling that connects local audiences with global topics and varied perspectives.
FAQ
Q: What is the scope and duration of the festival?
A: The GlobeDocs Film Festival will take place over five days, showcasing 30 new documentary films, including two world premieres. The festival is set to run from October 22 to October 27, 2023.
Q: Where will screenings be held and can people outside the area watch?
A: In-person screenings will occur at: – Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline – The Brattle Theatre in Cambridge – Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Boston Seaport. Virtual screenings are accessible to viewers nationwide.
Q: Who is producing the festival?
A: The festival is produced by The Boston Globe.
Q: Which films are highlighted in the program?
A: Opening night features “A Life Illuminated,” directed by Tasha van Zandt, focusing on marine biologist Dr. Edith Widder. The centerpiece film is “The Stringer,” directed by Bao Nguyen, investigating the famous Vietnam War photograph “The Terror of War.” The closing film is “Ask E. Jean,” directed by Ivy Meeropol, about E. Jean Carroll, who notably won a court case against Donald Trump. The two world premieres include: “Cathedrals” created by Don Wright and Dan Algrant, directed by Algrant; and “Croft,” directed by Brandon Millett and Jonathon Link.
Q: Will there be opportunities to engage with filmmakers?
A: Each screening will include a discussion with filmmakers, moderated by Boston Globe journalists. Post-film discussions are a hallmark of the festival, inviting filmmakers and audiences to engage deeply after screenings.
Q: Can the audience participate in awards?
A: Attendees have the chance to vote for the Audience Award for both feature and short films.
Q: What themes does the festival explore?
A: Significant themes for this year include exploration of motherhood and perseverance. The lineup includes documentaries on the motherhood crisis, mental health, political activism, and artistic expression. Many films offer insights into global issues affecting contemporary society.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 22 to October 27, 2023 |
| Duration | Five days |
| Number of films | 30 new documentary films, including two world premieres |
| Opening night | “A Life Illuminated,” directed by Tasha van Zandt, focusing on marine biologist Dr. Edith Widder |
| Centerpiece | “The Stringer,” directed by Bao Nguyen, investigating the famous Vietnam War photograph “The Terror of War.” |
| Closing film | “Ask E. Jean,” directed by Ivy Meeropol, about E. Jean Carroll, who notably won a court case against Donald Trump |
| World premieres | “Cathedrals” created by Don Wright and Dan Algrant, directed by Algrant; “Croft,” directed by Brandon Millett and Jonathon Link |
| In-person venues | Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline; The Brattle Theatre in Cambridge; Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Boston Seaport |
| Virtual access | Virtual screenings are accessible to viewers nationwide |
| Producer | The Boston Globe |
| Audience participation | Attendees have the chance to vote for the Audience Award for both feature and short films |
| Anniversary and history | 11th anniversary; previous screenings over the past decade have included 258 films and featured over 300 filmmakers and special guests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Global Cinema Film Festival of Boston Announces 10th Annual Event
Additional Resources
- Boston.com: GlobeDocs Film Festival 2025
- Boston Globe: GlobeDocs Film Festival 10th Anniversary
- Nonfics: GlobeDocs Film Festival Announces 2017 Film Lineup
- Wikipedia: Documentary Film
- Google Search: GlobeDocs Film Festival
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