Lunenburg Doc Fest

Overview

We love discovering standout films through our FilmFreeway submissions – last year, more than 45% of our official selections came directly from there. Thanks to the incredible response from filmmakers, we received over $16,000 in submission fees and cash prizes, all of which went straight back to artists through screening fees. Our dedicated pre-screening team carefully reviews every submission, and we’re always excited to welcome filmmakers to Lunenburg Doc Fest to share their work with our community. CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD QUALIFYING 2026 FESTIVAL & THE DOCK MARKET* • All films and social events on-site. Conference on-site and online. • Sept 23-27, 2026 Lunenburg Doc Fest's mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire by showcasing the documentary art form and creating a cultural connection between audiences and artists 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. Filmmakers and audience members attending our 2026 festival can anticipate an exciting program of special on-site social events by (or on!) the sea. We look forward to once again inviting and supporting your trip to join us on Nova Scotia’s picturesque South Shore for evocative fact-based films, industry workshops and panels, The Dock Market 1-to1 meetings, community events, industry networking harbour cruise (with lobster and local brews), gala, socials, celebrations and more. *THE DOCK MARKET For filmmakers seeking support, exposure, professional development and opportunities for their projects, the The Dock Market offers a valuable opportunity to meet with industry partners, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters and funders. The conference includes 1-to-1 meetings, workshops, masterclasses, round tables, panels and exclusive 'destination' networking events. --- FEATURE FILM SELECTION BENEFITS Each feature-length documentary selected receives: • Screening fee (paid to the Director, Producer, or Distributor) • Travel support and accommodations for one filmmaker (when possible) • Airport transfer from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Lunenburg (with two weeks’ notice, when possible) • Eligibility for juried awards (International, Canadian, Atlantic) and the $1,000 Audience Award • Full Industry Pass to all screenings and Dock Market sessions • Access to filmmaker introductions, Q&As, panels, workshops, and social events.

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  I love the Lunenburg Doc Fest. The programmers are some of the nicest I've ever met and the festival is a lot of fun. I've been programmed twice, for Biker Bob's Posthumous Adventure and Me, Mahmoud and the Mint Plant. The organizers always made us feel welcome and the networking was awesome. Highly recommend submitting (also, Lunenburg is super pretty and the seafood is so good!!)

• Filmmaker

  Lunenburg Doc Fest was such a wonderful experience. We truly loved how genuine and kind everyone from the staff was, and really felt that they wanted to share our film with everyone. The Dock Market was also a great time and we enjoyed getting to know people and connecting with others. Lunenburg is a fabulous festival -- we can't say enough good things about it!

• Filmmaker

  Karen Pearlman and I were delighted that 'Impossible Image' was selected to screen at the Lunenburg Doc Fest. Everyone was so kind and helpful via correspondence, I only wish we could have attended the festival and market in person.

• Filmmaker

  Great fest! Will apply again.

• Filmmaker

  Venn Diagram Films Films

FilmFreeway reviews are filmmaker opinions, not our score. Cross-check red flags before paying fees.

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