Full Frame Documentary Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup, Opening with “Prime Minister”

Durham, N.C. – Documentary film enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The 27th edition of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is set to captivate audiences starting April 3. This year’s festival promises a compelling cinematic journey, showcasing 34 feature documentaries and 15 short films. Opening night will feature “Prime Minister,” a documentary directed by Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe, offering an intimate portrayal of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Known for its filmmaker-centric approach and intimate atmosphere, the four-day event will once again unite documentary aficionados and industry professionals in Durham, North Carolina.

The full Frame Documentary Film Festival,a cornerstone event in the documentary world,is gearing up for its 2025 edition.scheduled to commence on April 3 in Durham, North Carolina, the festival will present a diverse selection of films, including the highly anticipated opening night feature, “Prime Minister.” This documentary, helmed by directors Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe, provides an in-depth look into the life and career of Jacinda ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Sundance Standouts to Shine at Full Frame

“Prime Minister” made its debut at Sundance 2025,where it garnered meaningful acclaim,winning the World Cinema Documentary Audience Award. The film is among 16 Sundance feature documentaries that will be screened at Full Frame this year, highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing top-tier documentary filmmaking. Other notable Sundance selections include “seeds,” winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize, and also “The Librarians,” “preditors,” Nat. Geo’s “Sally,” and “The Perfect Neighbor,” which was recently acquired by Netflix.

The inclusion of these Sundance favorites underscores Full Frame’s reputation as a platform for well-received documentaries to gain further exposure and recognition. The festival provides a crucial boost for films that have already made waves at other prestigious events, such as the Camden International Film Festival and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.

A Filmmaker’s Festival: Intimacy and Industry Acclaim

full Frame is frequently referred to as “a filmmaker’s festival,” distinguishing itself from events that are primarily premiere or market-focused. Instead, it is celebrated within the documentary industry as a well-organized and intimate gathering. This atmosphere allows for deeper engagement between filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Triumphant Return After Pandemic Challenges

Like many events, Full Frame faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding its 2020-2022 festivals entirely online. In 2023, the festival was put on hold due to financial difficulties and leadership changes at Duke’s Center for documentary Studies, the university-affiliated nonprofit that organizes the event. Though, last year marked a triumphant return to an in-person format after five years. The festival’s comeback was met with enthusiasm, selling 17,000 tickets and attracting 5,000 unique attendees.

Emily Foster, Full Frame co-director, expressed her delight at the festival’s accomplished return:

We were blown away by the excited reception to the festival’s in-person return.
Emily Foster, Full Frame co-director

Foster further emphasized the importance of the community in driving the festival’s success:

The success of the 2024 festival was driven by the unbelievable energy of our audiences and filmmakers, who are truly the heart of Full frame. The overwhelming support from the documentary community, our partners, and the broader film industry created an atmosphere that was both inspiring and energizing.
Emily Foster, Full Frame co-director

New Docs Competition and North American Premieres

The Full Frame 2025 program features 20 feature films and 15 short documentaries in the New Docs category, competing for nine juried awards totaling $45,000 in cash prizes. The competition lineup includes notable films such as David Borenstein’s “mr. Nobody Against Putin,” Amber Fares’ “Coexistence, My Ass!,” and Isabel castro’s “Selena y Los Dinos,” all of which premiered at Sundance. additionally, Max Keegan’s “the Shepherd and the Bear,” which debuted at the Camden International Film Festival and had its international premiere at IDFA, will also be featured.

While the feature films in the New Docs category have already premiered at various film festivals worldwide, two documentaries will make their North american debuts at Full Frame: Katarina Stankovic’s “The Tempest of Neptun” and Suzanne Raes’s “Where Dragons Live.”

Sadie Tillery, Full Frame co-director and artistic director, highlighted the festival’s programming beliefs:

as we program the festival, we are not premiere-focused the way some other events are. We are always very excited to have a revelation in the lineup, a film that is screening in Durham for the first time, but it’s not a priority as we set the lineup.
Sadie Tillery, Full Frame co-director and artistic director

Invited Program and World Premiere

Along with the New Docs section, 14 features will be screened out of competition in Full Frame’s Invited category. These include Petra costa’s “Apocalypse in the tropics,” Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim’s “deaf president now!,” and stanley Nelson’s “We Want the Funk!” notably, the Invited category will feature one world premiere: Victoria Bouloubasis and Ned Phillip’s “The Last Partera.” The invite program typically does not include short films.

Global Reach and Thematic Program

This year’s festival will showcase a total of 49 films from 30 countries, selected from approximately 1,000 submissions, reflecting the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives in documentary filmmaking.

Full Frame will continue its tradition of inviting a filmmaker to curate a special thematic program.This year, Yance Ford, the filmmaker behind “Strong Island,” has curated a program titled “The Weight of a Question: Documentary and the Art of Inquiry.” This program will feature eight feature films and three short films that encourage viewers to grapple with complex and challenging questions about the world. Ford will present the lineup and participate in discussions with filmmakers following the screenings.

Tillery elaborated on the thematic program’s focus:

I am drawn to documentary films that ask me to test and stretch my preconceived notions and surface-level understandings. Simply put,I watch films to grow,as I believe many audiences do. Yance’s films “Strong Island” and “power” invite profound reflection in ways that are artful and steadfast, sensitive and direct.It’s humbling to see the idea of audience engagement come into focus through his selections for this year’s thematic Program.
Sadie Tillery,Full Frame co-director and artistic director

Tribute to Jean Tsien

The festival’s 2025 tribute will honor editor and producer Jean Tsien,recognized for her work on documentaries such as “Scottsboro: An American Tragedy” (2000),“The Apollo” (2020),and “aka MR. CHOW” (2023). A curated selection of tsien’s work will be screened at the 27th annual festival, celebrating her significant contributions to the field.

Academy Award Qualification and Panel Discussions

Full Frame is a qualifying festival for the Academy Award documentary film short subject, further solidifying its importance in the documentary landscape. The festival will also host a wide array of panel discussions, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

With a diverse lineup of films, including Sundance favorites, North American premieres, and a special thematic program, the 2025 full Frame Documentary Film Festival promises to be an enriching and engaging experience for filmmakers, industry professionals, and documentary enthusiasts alike. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives, combined with its intimate atmosphere and focus on filmmaker engagement, makes it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the art of documentary filmmaking. the 27th edition of Full Frame is poised to continue its legacy as a vital platform for celebrating and advancing the documentary form.

Full Frame documentary Film festival Spotlights Emerging Trends and Diverse Voices

The 27th Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is poised to be a landmark event,showcasing a notable shift in the documentary film landscape. This year’s festival emphasizes community building and deeper engagement between filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences. The event features a diverse lineup of films, including selections previously screened at prestigious festivals like Sundance, Camden International, and IDFA, highlighting impactful storytelling and global perspectives. The festival’s focus on “discovery” promises a rich viewing experience, spotlighting unique voices and perspectives.

The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival continues to solidify its reputation as an intimate and influential gathering within the documentary community. This year’s event promises to uphold that tradition with a curated selection of films that explore a wide range of human experiences and pressing social issues.

A Shift Towards Filmmaker-Centric Gatherings

Dr. Anya Sharma, a documentary film expert, notes a significant change in the documentary film world. The emphasis is moving away from purely commercial aspects towards a more nuanced approach. According to Dr. Sharma, “Filmmaker-centric festivals, such as Full Frame, are prioritizing community building, fostering deeper engagement between filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences.” This shift reflects a growing understanding that the true value of a documentary lies in its lasting impact and its ability to spark dialogue and inspire meaningful action.

This approach nurtures the creativity and growth of documentary filmmaking as an art form, rather than solely as a product. The festival aims to create a supportive environment where filmmakers can connect, collaborate, and share their work with an engaged audience.

The Festival Circuit: Sundance and Beyond

The festival showcases films that have previously premiered at Sundance, Camden International, and IDFA.Dr. Sharma explains how this “circuit” of prestigious festivals benefits the films and the documentary filmmaking community as a whole. “The cyclical nature of prestigious film festivals—like the relationship between Sundance and Full Frame that you highlight —is crucial for documentary success. It builds upon a momentum of critical acclaim.”

A strong showing at a festival like Sundance provides crucial validation, generating buzz and attracting the attention of distributors and potential funders. Subsequent screenings at festivals like full Frame leverage that initial success, expanding the film’s reach to a wider audience, including specialized industry professionals and documentary enthusiasts. This collaborative network helps build a stronger ecosystem for documentary filmmakers.

Documentary Shorts: Exploring Diverse Themes

A compelling collection of new documentary shorts is set to captivate audiences with stories spanning continents and exploring a wide range of human experiences. From personal journeys of self-discovery to investigations of pressing social issues, these films offer unique perspectives and insights into the world around us. Several U.S. productions are featured, alongside international collaborations from China, Ukraine, Canada and beyond. These films promise to deliver thought-provoking narratives and stunning visuals.

Family, Memory, and Identity

Several shorts delve into the complexities of family, memory, and identity. Mian), directed by Yumeng he and produced by Yue Wu, Julie Gaynin, and Yumeng he, follows a filmmaker and her artist father as they search for his childhood home in Southwestern China, fulfilling his aging mother’s wish. The film explores themes of time, memory, and the act of seeing and making images, as the streets are now unrecognizable due to past changes.

Seeds, directed by Brittany Shyne and produced by Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, and Brittany Shyne, presents a lyrical portrait of Centennial farmers in the geographical South. Using black and white imagery, the film examines the decline of generational Black farmers and the importance of owning land.

Another film, Tiger, directed and produced by Loren Waters and Dana Tiger, highlights the life and work of Dana Tiger, an Indigenous award-winning artist and elder, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic tiger t-shirt company.

Social Issues and Justice

Other documentaries tackle challenging social issues. The Perfect Neighbor, directed by Geeta Gandbhir and produced by Nikon Kwantu, Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, and Sam Bisbee, examines a lethal dispute between neighbors in Florida. The film uses police body camera footage and interviews to probe the aftermath of the state’s controversial “stand your ground” laws.

Predators, directed by david Osit and produced by David Osit, Kellen Quinn, and Jamie Gonçalves, offers a surprising exploration of the rise and fall of the television show To Catch a Predator, which aimed to hunt down child predators. The film delves into the show’s impact and the world it helped create.

WTO/99, directed by Ian Bell and produced by Laura Tatham, Ian Bell, and Alex Megaro, reanimates the clash between the World Trade Institution (WTO) and the 40,000 protesters who took to the streets of Seattle in 1999.The film explores the WTO’s impacts on labor, the environment, and the future of globalization.

global Perspectives and Artistic Explorations

The selection also includes films with international perspectives and artistic explorations. perfectly a strangeness, directed and produced by Alison McAlpine, takes place in an unknown desert where three donkeys discover an abandoned astronomical observatory. This Canadian film is described as a sensorial, cinematic exploration of storytelling.

Songs of Slow Burning Earth, directed by Olha zhurba and produced by Darya Bassel, is an audiovisual diary of ukraine’s immersion into the russia’s full-scale invasion. The film captures the chronology of how the war became normalized and follows a new generation of Ukrainians imagining the future.

The Shepherd and the Bear,directed by Max Keegan and produced by elizabeth Woodward,Amanda McBaine,jesse Moss,and max Keegan,explores the conflict between a conventional shepherding community and the reintroduction of brown bears in the french Pyrenees.The film follows an aging shepherd and a teenage boy obsessed with tracking the bears.

The Tempest of Neptun (neptunova Nevera), directed by Katarina Stankovic and produced in Serbia, Croatia, and Poland, is set on the Croatian island of vis.It portrays a debate among fishermen, youth, workers, intellectuals, the mayor, and the owner of a cannery about their future, highlighting the loss of storytelling and listening cultures.

Rat rod, directed by Jared and Carly Jakins and produced by Carly Jakins, Jared Jakins, H.B.Phillips,and Kelyn Ikegami,features a haunted mechanic musing on his experiences as an immigrant in rural America and the nature of life and death as he resurrects cars.

The Spectacle, directed and produced by Yasmin van Dorp, is a short reflective documentary filmed in various locations across Europe that explores the world of modern tourism and the transformation of landscapes into tourist attractions.

valentina and the MUOSters (Valentina e i MUOStri), directed by Francesca Scalisi and produced by Mark Olexa, is set in Sicily, where Valentina, nearing 30, lives with her family and must break free from dependency as her father’s health declines.

Where Dragons Live (Waar draken wonen), directed by Suzanne Raes and produced by Ilja Roomans and Reece Cargan, is an intimate portrait of childhood fears, creativity, and the power of memories.

Your Opinion, Please, directed by Marshall Granger and produced by Alana Waksman and Marshall Granger, captures listeners across Montana calling into Yellowstone Public Radio to express their views on various topics as America enters the new millennium.

The Power of Documentary Film: Driving Social Change

Many documentaries tackle complex social issues. Dr. Sharma emphasizes how effective documentaries are in driving social change and influencing public discourse. “Documentaries possess a unique power to influence social change. By presenting compelling narratives and giving voice to marginalized communities, they can raise awareness of critical issues, challenge prevailing biases, and encourage critical reflection on societal structures.”

Effective documentaries don’t just present facts; they evoke emotions, sparking empathy among viewers and motivating them to take action. Documentaries are a potent tool for shaping public discourse and can directly impact policy discussions and social movements.

Discovery and the Viewer Experience

The article mentions the importance of “discovery” in festival programming, yet a premiere-driven approach isn’t necessarily a priority. Dr. Sharma explains how this approach enriches the viewer experience. “The emphasis on discovery, rather than solely on premieres, enriches the viewing experience profoundly. It allows festivals to showcase a diverse range of lesser-known films, providing audiences with opportunities to encounter unique voices and perspectives that may not otherwise reach mainstream distribution channels.”

This fosters a sense of exploration and encourages viewers to engage with films beyond the widely publicized titles.finding a hidden gem, a powerful film that they might not have discovered otherwise, elevates the festival experience.

Advice for aspiring Documentary Filmmakers

Dr. Sharma offers key takeaways for aspiring documentary filmmakers who hope to navigate this evolving world:

• Focus on crafting compelling narratives: A strong story is crucial, irrespective of the festival circuit.
• Network strategically: Build relationships with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and festival programmers.
• Embrace diverse distribution strategies: Don’t solely rely on festivals; explore online platforms and other avenues to reach your audience.
• Explore different filmmaking styles: Experiment with different approaches to storytelling, finding a style aligned with your passion and vision.
• Engage with your audience: Fostering a meaningful dialogue with viewers after screenings greatly impacts a film’s lasting effect.

Conclusion

The 27th Full Frame Documentary Film Festival promises to be a significant event for documentary filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. With a diverse lineup of films, including Sundance award winners and North American premieres, the festival continues to uphold its reputation as an intimate and influential gathering within the documentary community.The festival’s commitment to showcasing compelling stories and fostering meaningful dialog ensures that it will remain a vital platform for documentary filmmaking for years to come.

Documentary Filmmaking’s future: Community and Discovery Take Center Stage

The world of documentary filmmaking is undergoing a significant transformation, with a renewed focus on community building and the spirit of discovery. Dr. Sharma, in a recent discussion with a News.com Senior Editor, shared insightful perspectives on this evolving landscape, suggesting a promising future for both filmmakers and audiences alike. This shift highlights a move towards more collaborative and exploratory approaches to storytelling, potentially reshaping how documentaries are conceived, produced, and consumed.

A New Era of Documentary Storytelling

Dr.Sharma’s comments underscore a growing trend within the documentary film industry: a departure from traditional, often top-down narratives, towards more inclusive and participatory models. This evolution emphasizes the importance of engaging with communities directly, allowing their voices and experiences to shape the final product. the focus on discovery suggests a willingness to explore uncharted territories, both geographically and thematically, pushing the boundaries of what a documentary can be.

Community Building at the Core

The emphasis on community building signifies a deeper commitment to ethical filmmaking practices. By involving communities in the storytelling process, filmmakers can ensure that their work is not only accurate and authentic but also respectful and empowering.This approach can lead to more nuanced and impactful documentaries that resonate with audiences on a personal level. It also fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the communities themselves, creating a lasting legacy beyond the film’s release.

The Power of Discovery

The element of discovery is equally crucial in shaping the future of documentary filmmaking. By embracing the unknown and venturing into unexplored territories, filmmakers can uncover hidden stories and challenge conventional wisdom. This spirit of inquiry can lead to groundbreaking documentaries that shed light on critically important social, political, and environmental issues, sparking dialogue and inspiring action. The willingness to take risks and experiment with new forms of storytelling is essential for pushing the boundaries of the genre and keeping it relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Looking Ahead

The insights shared by Dr. Sharma paint a compelling picture of the future of documentary filmmaking. As the industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on community building and discovery will likely become even more pronounced. this shift presents both challenges and opportunities for filmmakers, requiring them to adapt their approaches and embrace new technologies and collaborative models. Though, the potential rewards are immense: more authentic, impactful, and engaging documentaries that can make a real difference in the world.

The News.com Senior Editor concluded the discussion by stating:

Dr. Sharma, thank you for these insightful comments on the future of documentary filmmaking. The evolving emphasis on community building and discovery truly promises an exciting period ahead for both filmmakers and audiences.