The DOXA documentary film festival is celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary this year. Running from April 30 to May 10 in Vancouver, the festival showcases 69 films from 41 countries, including 40 feature documentaries and 29 short films.
A Legacy of Connection
Sarah Ouazzani, DOXA's artistic director since 2021, attributes the festival's longevity to dedicated teams, passionate volunteers, and an engaged audience. 'We prioritize showcasing diverse compelling documentaries from around the world,' she said. 'Our commitment to quality programming and fostering a vibrant film community has helped us grow and thrive over the past 25 years.'
This year's selection was highly competitive, with 1,100 submissions. Ouazzani noted that the festival aims to highlight the most compelling, innovative, and socially relevant works from both emerging and established filmmakers.
Films and Events
Among the featured films is 'Green Valley' by director Morgan Tams, which takes viewers to Cortes Island and an off-grid community on Blue Jay Farm. Over the last decade, reclusive farmer Henry Verschuur has opened his remote property to young do-it-yourself homesteaders seeking to break free from society.
The festival includes a robust calendar of in-person events, with approximately 40 filmmakers from around the globe attending. 'Many attendees appreciate the opportunity to engage with filmmakers directly, whether through panels, Q&As, workshops, or industry events,' Ouazzani said. 'Overall, the feedback confirms that DOXA creates a meaningful, immersive experience that resonates long after the screening.'
Documentaries in a Polarized World
In an era of political polarization and information overload, Ouazzani believes documentaries play a vital role. 'Documentaries are vital because they illuminate real stories and pressing issues that shape our world,' she explained. 'In a time of wars, fascism, genocide, rapid change and information overload, they foster understanding, empathy and critical thinking.'
The festival also serves as a gathering place for community. 'We need to get together; we need to discuss. We need to create communities and take action collectively,' Ouazzani added. 'I think the mistake that a lot of people, and even myself, are making is that when we start feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world, we tend to isolate and that's what we want to create at DOXA — a chance to get together and reflect together and maybe take action together.'
Opening Gala: Bella Sutra
The opening gala on April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre at Simon Fraser University's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts features 'Bella Sutra,' a film/performance piece by director O.K. Pederson. Described as a cine-concert, it is a dreamy and cinematic personal long-form essay about Pederson's life as an innkeeper in a remote mountain area near Bella Coola. The 16-millimetre film is narrated live by Pederson and accompanied by a live musical score featuring Eden Glasman on violin, Jakob Tokarczyk on piano, and Peter Hošták on soundscape.
