Venues
Documentary film represents a special niche in filmdom, and although that niche is becoming more popular and powerful, some documentary films are hard to find. Blockbusters like Sicko and Oscar winners like An Inconvenient Truth are screened in multiplexes. But it may take some effort to find more obscure--but equally worthwhile--documentary films. What are the best, most likely venues for finding the widest variety of documentaries? Read on.
Where You Can See Documentary Films
The various venues where you can find and watch documentary films range from local theaters, museums and universities to at home on TV and DVD. Here, you can find out more about documentary film venues.
The various venues where you can find and watch documentary films range from local theaters, museums and universities to at home on TV and DVD. Here, you can find out more about documentary film venues.
Documentaries On TV
If local theaters don't program enough documentaries, let them know you want more. Until they respond positively, watch TV channels that program doumentaries regularly. Some docs are made for TV, others are broadcast before DVD release. Keep tabs on PBS, HBO, IFC and other doc-heavy channels where you'll find wonderful nonfiction films not playing at a theater near you.
If local theaters don't program enough documentaries, let them know you want more. Until they respond positively, watch TV channels that program doumentaries regularly. Some docs are made for TV, others are broadcast before DVD release. Keep tabs on PBS, HBO, IFC and other doc-heavy channels where you'll find wonderful nonfiction films not playing at a theater near you.
HBO's 2008 Summer Documentaries Line Up
During the Summer of 2008, HBO will air an excellent documentary every Monday night, between June 9 and August 25. Here's the list, with descriptions of each film and broadcast date.
During the Summer of 2008, HBO will air an excellent documentary every Monday night, between June 9 and August 25. Here's the list, with descriptions of each film and broadcast date.
Documentaries on TV - PBS' 'Nature' Series Encores, Summer 2008
Check your local listings for exact broadcast times for PBS' encore presentations of animal documentaries from previous seasons of the 'Nature' series. The list of docs being given repeat broadcasts was selected by viewers who voted for their favorite films online at the 'Nature' Website. If you miss these replays, arranged in order of the…
Check your local listings for exact broadcast times for PBS' encore presentations of animal documentaries from previous seasons of the 'Nature' series. The list of docs being given repeat broadcasts was selected by viewers who voted for their favorite films online at the 'Nature' Website. If you miss these replays, arranged in order of the…
Documentary Film Festivals
Hundreds of film festivals around the glove are ideal venues for documentary film-watching. Programs often include premiering films and those that might be difficult to find elsewhere. Being among people who love documentary films as much as you do gives you unparalleled opportunities to network and discuss film styles, content and issues. Here's a complete list of documentary film festivals.
Hundreds of film festivals around the glove are ideal venues for documentary film-watching. Programs often include premiering films and those that might be difficult to find elsewhere. Being among people who love documentary films as much as you do gives you unparalleled opportunities to network and discuss film styles, content and issues. Here's a complete list of documentary film festivals.
Travelling for Docs Watching
Want to attend a doc film festival? Making travel plans, finding accommodation and getting tickets can be daunting. This source for travel packages to upcoming film festivals can be a big help--even if you don't book a featured trip, you'll get a good idea and some tips about what's entailed in successfully planning your trip.
Want to attend a doc film festival? Making travel plans, finding accommodation and getting tickets can be daunting. This source for travel packages to upcoming film festivals can be a big help--even if you don't book a featured trip, you'll get a good idea and some tips about what's entailed in successfully planning your trip.
Networking Opportunities
The online community of documentary filmmakers and dedicated doc viewers is an excellent source of information about specific films, venues, festivals, screenings series and other subjects of interest. Begin your networking through the portal of Documentary Films.net's online forum.
The online community of documentary filmmakers and dedicated doc viewers is an excellent source of information about specific films, venues, festivals, screenings series and other subjects of interest. Begin your networking through the portal of Documentary Films.net's online forum.
Locating Hard-To-Find Docs
If you want to see a film that is not being shown in your local theater and/or screening series, you may have to contact the film's distributor for information about where you can find it. This documentary film finder will help you locate hard-to-find films.
If you want to see a film that is not being shown in your local theater and/or screening series, you may have to contact the film's distributor for information about where you can find it. This documentary film finder will help you locate hard-to-find films.
Docs on the Internet
Freedocumentaries.org offers free downloads of a wide variety of documentary films and film trailers. Films are arranged by category. A donation is requested, but not required.
Freedocumentaries.org offers free downloads of a wide variety of documentary films and film trailers. Films are arranged by category. A donation is requested, but not required.