FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lunenburg, N.S., August 25, 2026 - The full program for the 13th Edition of Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23-27, 2026, is now available and bursting with more activities. There are more ways for film fans and filmmakers to enjoy a fabulous time at Atlantic Canada’s leading documentary festival and forum.

“We are very excited for film fans and filmmakers to feast on this curated experience,” says Walter Forsyth, Festival Director of the Lunenburg Doc Fest. “We’ve intentionally made the festival more accessible through special pricing for first timers and students. Audiences will get to see more documentaries on topics of great interest to Nova Scotians. More filmmakers will receive meaningful support with cash awards and mentorship. And festival goers will love the new venues and socials we’ve added to celebrate local arts and culture.”

73 documentaries, larger second venue, concurrent screenings

The 2026 film schedule has a total of 73 feature, mid-length, and short documentaries, which is a 16% increase from last year. The new second venue, The Ice House Theatre at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, allows for more screenings.

Highly affordable passes, 2 new options for students and first-timers

For students and first-time festival goers, the Lunenburg Doc Fest film pass is only $50. Early bird discounts from now until September 11 mean passes are: $85 Film Pass, $85 Gala Pass, $90 Industry Pass (includes Gala), and the ultimate access of $150 Gala & Film Pass Bundle.

Must-see feature-lengths, 36 premieres (4 World, 9 Canadian, 23 Atlantic Canadian)

While every documentary was chosen to be seen, there are stand-out films Nova Scotians are going to love.

• The first day is packed. There’s the world premiere version of The Great White Highway containing the first interview with Taylor Fortune, the woman who was attacked by a great white shark in Margaree Harbour, Cape Breton. The local premiere of The Bookstore That Never Sleeps (a short about the popular Lunenburg location) and Oscar contender American Doctor, which follows three American doctors, Palestinian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian, entering Gaza to save lives.

• The gala film and reception is our fancy affair. The evening begins on the deck along the harbourfront at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic with bubbly and hors d'oeuvres, music and photos ops followed by the Canadian Premiere of YO (Love Is A Rebellious Bird) with the filmmakers at the historic Lunenburg Opera House.

• Every night has a must-see, showcase film. Along with Yo on Thursday night, the big feature films are Everybody to Kenmure Street (Sundance award-winner with Emma Thompson) on Friday, and on Saturday is Steal This Story, Please! (the life and career of unwavering journalist Amy Goodman of Democracy Now).

• Closing night is truly Canadian. Run Terry Run is an intimate look at Terry Fox and his 1980 Marathon of Hope through archival footage, including clips from 90 restored reels.

• Staff choice films are Joan’s Kitchen Table (about Rocky Jones and Joan Jones and featuring prominent African Nova Scotian leaders), Black Zombie (origins of the zombie concept), and Derek Vs Derek (a hilarious dispute over land use raising environmental issues).

Filmmaker Q&As, decision-maker guests, 3 industry programs

Lunenburg Doc Fest is about more than powerful films, it’s also about the conversations they inspire. In 2026, several filmmakers will join audiences in Lunenburg for post-screening Q&As. More than a dozen film-industry decision-makers will attend the industry conference, while three new cohorts of diverse and IBPOC filmmakers will take part in the festival through the Momentum, The Launch, and DOC Atlantic Breakthrough programs.

More access with 6 free events and 5 satellite venues

For four Sunday evenings (August 30 to September 20), film fans of all ages get to experience more free Docs on the Dock at the Zwicker Wharf. The Launch’s live pitch competition for filmmakers is free admission as well, allowing all to see what pitch wins and walks away with over $20,000. Plus, CBC is presenting a free short film program on Friday. Film fans can also see great documentaries in five additional communities, including Halifax’s Carbon Arc Cinema, Chester Playhouse, Riverport’s Old Confidence Lodge, Liverpool’s Astor Theatre, and Shelburne’s Osprey Arts Centre.

“We cannot wait for everyone to enjoy the full festival experience in beautiful Lunenburg, Nova Scotia,” says Forsyth. “We’ve managed to plan more while keeping costs low. Documentaries are meant to be experienced together and talked about after.”

For more information on Lunenburg Doc Fest 2026 and to watch trailers, purchase passes and tickets, and subscribe to the festival newsletter, visit lunenburgdocfest.com.