The Lunenburg Doc Fest begins today with 8 screenings, 2 Q&As with filmmakers, and 2 receptions. The screening for Being Still with The Bookstore That Never Sleeps has reached capacity, moving to rush seating only. Film fans hoping to get in are being encouraged to come down, line up, and see if a seat can be found for them. A shark cage will be on-site for photographs and general fun. The cage comes from the filmmakers behind the Great White Highway, a documentary about shark presence in waters around Nova Scotia. 

The festival organizers are also reporting success attracting new film fans with affordable passes. The new passes are for students and first-time attendees and are selling well with room for more film fans who want to check out the Lunenburg Doc Fest.

Today’s Schedule

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

AT THE LUNENBURG DOC FEST

12:00pm

Boatbuilders |  Lunenburg Opera House

Over four seasons, director Luke Lorentzen follows the meticulous construction of a 56-foot sailboat, while immersing us in the lives of the boatbuilders and their close-knit Maine community.

2:30pm

My Father And Qaddafi | Lunenburg Opera House

Under Qaddafi’s regime, a daughter retraces her father’s disappearance, uncovering a family history shaped by political violence, exile, grief, and resilience.

5:30pm

RUSH SEATING ONLY

Being Still with The Bookstore That Never Sleeps | Lunenburg Opera House

Elizabeth’s Books in Lunenburg comes to life only after dark. Then, four Atlantic Canadian photographers transform the world around them.

• Q&A session: directors Scott Munn, Joe Bender, and Justin Zoras.

7:00pm

Derek Vs Derek | Osprey Arts Centre, Shelburne

Derek’s wilding crusade collides with Derek’s fury as storks, boar, and rising tensions reveal a larger battle: can nature’s return coexist with feeding the world?

7:30pm

Great White Highway | Lunenburg Opera House

After Canada’s first great white shark attack, N.S. researchers rush to gather behavioural data useful in preventing other possibly fatal encounters.

• Q&A panel: director P.J. Naworynski, producer Edward Peill, and scientists.

7:30pm

Tide and Trail Photo Gallery Reception | Tide and Trail

Following the screenings of The Bookstore That Never Sleeps and Being Still. Enjoy live music, refreshing drinks, and delicious local eats.

9:00pm

The Main Gaff Community Reception | The Main Gaff

Enjoy time together after the screening of Great White Highway and to celebrate the first day of the festival.

9:30pm

Wednesday Night Showcase

American Doctor | Lunenburg Opera House

Follow three physicians as they fight to save lives in the hospitals of Gaza and the halls of the U.S. Congress. Early Oscar contender.

Meet you at the Doc Fest!