Event Details
Folkestone Documentary Festival 2024
From
Thursday 17th October 2024
Until
Sunday 20th October 2024
Venue
Cinema / Quarterhouse / Kollectiv / Space Bar
2026-10-08 10:26:36
This event has finished.
Welcome to the fourth edition of the Folkestone Documentary Festival, a long weekend of documentary films, drinks, discussions, and parties by the Kent seaside.
12 feature-length films, 12 shorts, a communal swim, drinks, food and parties, a free documentary industry day, and the chance to hear from amazing filmmakers in post-film Q&As in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Taking place in the Silver Screen, Folkestone’s gem of an independent cinema, Creative Folkestone’s flagship Quarterhouse venue, Kollectiv, the hottest new gallery and cafe in town, Space Bar, Folkestone’s cosiest bar, and other Folkestone locations.
In additional to the film programme below, even more exhibitions and events are taking place across Folkestone during the festival. Please visit folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk for details.
Hint: You can quickly book tickets for each film by opening the Quick Booking menu below.
Festival Films: Quick Booking Menu
Quickly book tickets for each film below; more information on the associated events can be found above or by selecting “More Info” under each film. The full festival programme is available at folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk.
Doors open 20-30 minutes before the time shown. There are usually 10-15 minutes of adverts, and the film starts soon afterwards. Please arrive before the performance time.
This performance has open captioning, with descriptive subtitles shown on screen. Would you like to book tickets?
OK Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
A love story like no other, THE CYCLE OF LOVE is an inspiring, heart-warming, epic true-life adventure about the search for self-belief and risking everything for what your heart tells you.
Tickets for this film include admission to the opening night party, from 6pm at Roni & Rita's on Rendezvous St.
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
In a Northern Irish prison, young inmate Ryan finds some calm working with sheep on the prison farm but, on release, the burden of family history, grief and addiction threatens to be overwhelming. Sometimes dark and frustrating, sometimes bucolic and calm, this is a non-judgemental portrait of a man caught between two worlds.
This screening includes the short film THE WEAVERS (10 mins).
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
When dead and dying crabs and lobsters suddenly appear on beaches across Teesside, veteran fisherman Stan Rennie becomes the unlikeliest of environmental activists. Taking on the authorities like Mr Bates with a Northern accent, Stan, with his fisherman’s gallows humour, is irresistible as he navigates a post-Brexit world of grief and change in this tenth feature from Teessider Jeanie Finlay.
This screening includes the short film BAISANOS (14 mins), and is followed by a Q&A.
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
16 year old Afghan Soraya is a brilliant artist, creating dark and beautiful sculptures. But she’s stuck in Iran, married to a violent man, desperate to reach her mother in Austria, and a wider sense of freedom. This phone-shot self-portrait interweaves chilling scenes of Soraya’s escape attempts with political news and her visionary art, song and dance.
This screening includes the short film RAP BABY (17 mins).
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
Maikhuu is one of the only female truck drivers working on Mongolia’s coal roads amidst the country’s “Minegolia” boom. Day after day, she navigates the perilous task of transporting coal across the unforgiving Gobi Desert, trapped in an endless convoy of trucks bound for China. A personal and environmental situation of chaos in a riveting film.
This screening includes the short film MOTHER'S INFLUENCE (14 mins).
Important Information
Foreign language with English subtitles.
Children younger than 12 years must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+. Proof of age may be required.
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
David "Doc" Rowe has spent 60 years documenting Britain's vibrant folk traditions, songs, dances and creatures. Now he needs a proper home for all the material he’s accumulated before it disappears. Told through the wheel of a year of folk happenings across the country, this is a celebration of a man who is as unique as the traditions he’s dedicated to preserving.
This screening includes the short film TŶ UNNOS (12 mins), and is followed by a Q&A.
The film will be preceded by a workshop at Folkestone Museum at 1pm and a folk procession from the museum at 3pm through the town centre, featuring Morris dancers and other creatures. All welcome to join in both workshop and procession!
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
Important: This event is not taking place at the Silver Screen Cinema. The venue for this event is:
Location Docker Taproom
The inside story of how a divisive protest movement, Just Stop Oil, was started by a group of everyday concerned citizens hatching a confrontational plan of civil disobedience to wake the country up to the climate emergency. As the government responds by shutting them (and anyone who might be inspired by them) down, the impact on the group proves immense.
This screening includes the short film A WOMAN'S PLACE IS EVERYWHERE (22 mins), and is followed by a Q&A.
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
When a massive owl named Flaco escapes from the Central Park Zoo in New York, he’s given little chance of survival. But no-one reckons on Flaco’s determination to have an adventure, as he overcomes years of captivity and discovers he was wild inside all along. A real-life fairytale that provokes questions about the wildness of our own human world.
This screening includes the short film FIREBIRDS (10 mins).
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
Florida’s beloved New College, a beacon of tolerance in an increasingly right-wing state, is taken over by Governor Ron de Santis, who brutally targets academic freedom and cultural diversity. A test bed for a conservative takeover of “woke” universities across the US is bravely and entertainingly fought by a ragtag coalition of students and tutors.
This screening includes the short film CONCRETE ROOTS (17 mins).
Special Event
Folkestone Documentary Festival
Filmed at night from Tel Aviv rooftops, this investigative documentary examines the civilian casualties of Israel's military operations in Gaza and the systems behind targeted killings of Palestinians.
This screening includes the short film MSA? YOU'RE F**CKED (29 mins).
Important Information
Foreign language with English subtitles.
Age rating to be confirmed.
Previous Events
These events have finished.
20/10/2024
The Folkestone Documentary Festival concludes with the winners of our filmmaking challenge, and two films exploring themes of artistry, inspiration, happiness, and humanity.
20/10/2024
This event includes the short documentary Visible Mending, followed by the feature documentary Black Snow.
20/10/2024
Dive into pressing social issues at the Folkestone Documentary Festival with two compelling films that explore the struggles of everyday people against powerful systems.
20/10/2024
Explore stories of transformation, identity, and art at the Folkestone Documentary Festival with two deeply personal and inspiring films.
20/10/2024
To celebrate the short documentary PLUNGE screening on Friday night, join us for a dip. Bring warm clothes, a hot drink and breakfast if you like.
19/10/2024
Join us at our Festival Hub - Space Bar - from 10pm to 1pm for a party with DJ Mr Moor playing film scores and film adjacent tunes.
19/10/2024
This event includes the short documentary Eternal Father, and the feature documentary My Sextortion Diary. Stay after the film for a Q&A.
19/10/2024
This event includes the short documentary The Broken Goddess, and the feature documentary Mother Vera. Stay after the film for a Q&A.
19/10/2024
This event includes the short documentary Marinade, followed by the feature documentary The Battle for Laikipia. Stay after the film for a Q&A.
19/10/2024
Discover stories of tradition, resilience, and change at the Folkestone Documentary Festival with two captivating films that transport you to distant lands. Dive into the personal and cultural narratives that unfold against the backdrop of nature and community.
19/10/2024
Experience a captivating morning at the Folkestone Documentary Festival, where you’ll explore the depths of autism through two thought-provoking films.
18/10/2024
Join niconico and Mumdad Records for a mashup of documentary and dance in this Quarterhouse Lates ‘takeover’ by Folkestone Documentary Festival.
18/10/2024
Experience different views on emotional health and wellbeing at the Folkestone Documentary Festival, with these two unique films.
18/10/2024
Folkestone Documentary Festival presents two films revealing the plight and fight of ordinary people caught up in conflict and upheaval.
18/10/2024
A free day of presentations, panel discussions, case studies and networking at Quarterhouse. Booking essential. *SOLD OUT*
18/10/2024
A special FREE exclusive schools screening of The Walk introduced by the director. *SOLD OUT*
17/10/2024
Join the Folkestone Documentary Festival opening party, followed by the UK premiere of The Walk with a post-film Q&A.
Festival Pass
Folkestone Documentary Festival has one of the most affordable film festival passes in the UK, which offers you access to almost every festival event for just £45 (or £25 for concessions).
Festival Passes are limited to one per customer. When purchasing, please select [F] for the full pass, or [C] if you qualify for the concession pass. Terms & Conditions apply to all Festival Passes.
Once you have your festival pass, you can use it by logging in to your account, then selecting “Use Pass” for each event you’d like to attend in the programme above. Your pass will reduce one ticket for each event to £0.00 once you reach the final checkout page.
Festival Pass FAQ
Q. How does my Festival Pass work?
After you buy a festival pass, you can use it straight away to book one free ticket to each festival event shown on our website. Your tickets will be discounted to £0.00 once you log in and reach the checkout.
Q. Can I buy more than one Festival Pass?
No. Festival passes are limited to one per customer account. Please see “Event Passes” under our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Q. Does my pass automatically give me tickets to all screenings and events?
No. You must still book tickets for the screenings and events you would like to attend, but your pass will mean these tickets are free. Your pass will allow you to book one free ticket for each festival event.
Q. Which Festival Pass should I buy? [F] or [C]?
If you qualify for a Concession Festival Pass, please select the [C] pass when purchasing. Otherwise, please select the [F] pass. See the next question for Concession Festival Pass eligibility.
Q. Who qualifies for a Concession Festival Pass?
Concession passes are available to:
- Anyone aged 30 and under;
- Anyone over the age of 60;
- Anyone currently unwaged;
- Students;
- Carers;
- Blue Light cardholders;
- Military Discount cardholders.
Q. How do I use my Festival Pass?
Once you have your pass, you can use it for most festival events across all venues straight away; make sure you log in to your account, then select “Use Pass” against each event you’d like to book. One ticket for each event will be discounted to £0.00 once you reach the final stage of checkout.
Q. My Festival Pass isn’t working. What should I do?
Please check the following:
- You have first completed checkout when purchasing your pass, in a separate transaction from any tickets for festival events.
- You have logged into our website using the same email address used to purchase your pass.
- You have checked that your pass is active on your account by logging in and selecting “My Membership”.
- You have reached the final page of checkout after adding tickets for festival events to your order; tickets will continue to display at full price until the last page of checkout.
Q. My Festival Pass still isn’t working! Who can I contact?
If you have checked the list above, but are still having problems using using your pass to book tickets for festival events, please contact us here or call 01303 221 230 during cinema opening hours.
Q. Where do I use my Festival Pass for paid events at Quarterhouse?
Only on the Silver Screen Cinema website. After logging in to your account, you can use your pass to book tickets for all venues by selecting “Use Pass” against each event. Note that you will not be able to use your pass on other venue websites.
Q. How do I use my Festival Pass for free events at Quarterhouse and Kollectiv?
You do not have to use your pass for these events, as they are free. You can sign up for tickets to these events at folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk/events/.
Q. How do I use my Festival Pass for free entry to Festival parties?
There are three parties taking place during the Festival:
- For the Opening Night Party, simply use your pass to book a ticket to The Walk + Opening Night Party event above.
- For Doc Bops! @ Quarterhouse Lates, you do not need to use your pass as entry is free for all – just turn up!
- For the Doc Lover Party @ Space Bar, show your festival pass confirmation email on the door.
Q. Can I use my Festival Pass to get a ticket on the door?
Yes, but tickets are subject to availability and your festival pass does not guarantee you entry to an event if it has sold out by the time doors open. We recommend you use your festival pass to book your ticket in advance to ensure you have a seat when you arrive.
Q. Does my Festival Pass guarantee me a specific seat?
No. You can use your festival pass to book a guaranteed place in each event, but seats will be taken first-come first-served on arrival. However, ticket-holders will be given priority admission at our cinema. We recommend you use your festival pass to book your ticket in advance for quick entry to the auditorium.
Q. Will I be charged a booking fee when I use my Festival Pass to book tickets?
No. Booking fees are not applied when you use your festival pass, which means that the cost of your pass is the only amount you will pay for all festival events.
Q. What are the Terms & Conditions for my Festival Pass?
You can see our full Terms & Conditions for your festival pass under “Event Passes” in our Terms & Conditions.
Q. Who should I contact for help with my Festival Pass?
For any problems purchasing a festival pass, or problems using using your pass to book tickets at our cinema, please contact us here or call 01303 221 230 during cinema opening hours.
For more details about the films and the festival, visit the Folkestone Documentary Festival website:
folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk
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