Washington, DC is set to host the second edition of the DC/DOX Documentary Film Festival, scheduled for June 13-16, 2024. This festival, which aims to celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking, will feature a diverse lineup of films, including 51 features and 47 shorts from 17 countries. The festival will showcase 12 world premieres, four North American premieres, and a U.S. premiere, with a significant portion of the filmmakers identifying as women or non-binary.
DC/DOX, co-founded by Sky Sitney and Jamie Shor, is designed to bring together innovative visions and bold voices in the realm of documentary cinema. The festival’s mission is to provide a platform for both high-profile and unconventional films, creating a space where artistic and marketable works can coexist. This year’s festival will feature a mix of films that have already garnered attention at major festivals like Sundance and SXSW, as well as new discoveries waiting to find their audience.
The festival’s Signature Screenings include the opening night film “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, and the closing night screening of “Every Little Thing” at the Burke Theatre at the US Navy Memorial. Other notable screenings include “Look Into My Eyes” and “Luther: Never Too Much” at the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture.
Among the world premieres are “Breaking The West,” a look at a Russian oligarch’s ambitions in the West, and “The Calling,” which follows a group of medical students in the Bronx. Other premieres include “Majority Rules,” a comprehensive look at Alaska’s decision to use ranked-choice voting, and “Paint Me A Road Out Of Here,” about Faith Ringgold’s visionary painting, “For the Women’s House.”
DC/DOX will also host the North American premieres of “Apollo Thirteen: Survival,” a look at the almost disastrous NASA mission, and “The Cinema Within,” an exploration of the art and science of film editing. The U.S. premiere of “The Bones,” an examination of the clash between science and capitalism in the search for dinosaur fossils, will also be featured.
Co-founder Sky Sitney emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of documentary storytelling. “The films on the 2024 slate highlight the remarkable breadth and depth of documentary storytelling today,” she said. “They depict a not-too-distant world, shadowed by the looming specter of all we stand to lose: democracy, discernible truth, a sustainable planet, and world peace. Yet, they are also filled with hope from individuals confronting adversity with determination and optimism and engaging in immense and small acts of kindness.”
Jamie Shor, the other co-founder, highlighted the unique opportunity the festival provides for filmmakers. “This festival allows filmmakers the unique opportunity to connect with an audience that can be influencers and amplifiers of their work, as well as appreciators,” she said. The festival’s location in Washington, DC, offers a unique platform for films that aim to make a social impact, given the city’s significance in politics and media.
DC/DOX also aims to connect deeply with the local community through its DC/Frame program, which highlights DC-based filmmakers and films that resonate with the city. This initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to being both an international platform and a local community event.
The festival’s funding model is a mix of corporate sponsorships, philanthropic support, and in-kind contributions. Major sponsors include National Geographic, the Perspective Fund, and the deNovo Initiative, among others. The Washington Post is a founding media sponsor, and the Eaton Hotel is providing accommodations for filmmakers.
Despite the challenges of launching a new festival, Sitney and Shor remain optimistic about the future of DC/DOX. “I think the fact that we’re creating a festival is an extraordinary sign of optimism,” Sitney said. “People are getting excited that we’re creating something, and that’s been joyful to grow—at the same time, being aware that there’s so much anxiety and so many complicated things happening to the industry.”
As the festival prepares for its second edition, it continues to build on the promise made during its inaugural event. Last year’s one-day event served as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating the potential of DC/DOX to become a significant player in the documentary film festival circuit. This year, the festival aims to deliver a more ambitious program, reflecting its founders’ vision and commitment to documentary storytelling.
