What is DOC NYC?

DOC NYC is an annual documentary film festival in New York City. Documentary storytelling is flourishing like never before–encompassing reportage, memoir, history, humor, and more. DOC NYC celebrates this cultural phenomenon and encourages its new directions. The 2023 event will be held in-person from November 8-16, 2023, and online from November 8-26, 2023!

Where will DOC NYC screenings take place?

DOC NYC screenings take place at three venues – the IFC Center, the SVA Theatre, and Village East by Angelika. For theater addresses and directions, please visit our Locations page.

The 2023 festival will also run online via the festival’s streaming platform. Festival films will be accessible to watch across the United States. Learn more about our accessibility options here.

What are the festival’s box office hours?

November 1-7, 2023: Advance tickets for all in-person DOC NYC screenings and events are available at IFC Center (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street, open daily 10:30am-10pm).

November 8-16, 2023: Tickets for all in-person screenings and events are available at any DOC NYC venue box office, open from 30 minutes before the venue’s first show of the day to 15 minutes after the venue’s last show of the day. Tickets for online screenings are only available to purchase online.

What does it mean when a film is on Rush?

“Rush” means that a film screening in-person has sold out all of its available inventory, but select tickets may become available day-of a screening and will be released for sale to a Rush Line prior to showtime.

A Rush Line will form an hour prior to showtime at the festival venue the film will be screening at. Any tickets that become available closer to showtime will be released for sale to the Rush line on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of tickets that may become available varies screening to screening.

Where can I access the full lineup of DOC NYC?

The 2023 festival slate has been announced – see the full film line-up here! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our latest programming announcements and updates!

To see a full list of the films that screened as part of the 2022 festival, click here.

Do you have a printable schedule of the Festival Lineup?

A printable PDF of our schedule of the 2023 slate will be available soon.

How do I get the latest information?

The best way to stay in the loop on all important updates is by signing up for our DOC NYC newsletter right here. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive updates throughout the year. Also, keep our DOC NYC website bookmarked.

What sponsorship opportunities are available at DOC NYC?

There is a wide range of options for supporting DOC NYC – from sponsoring awards and events to brand exposure throughout the festival. Visit our Sponsorship page for more information.

How can I submit my film to DOC NYC?

Visit our Film Submission page for full info – submissions are now closed 2023 film festival. Sign up for our DOC NYC newsletter to stay up to date on the latest information, including when 2024 submissions open.

Who can participate in Industry Roundtables?

Submissions for the 2023 Industry Roundtables are now closed! You can see the live pitches for the 2023 selected projects this year during DOC NYC PRO on Thursday, November 9.

Visit our Industry Roundtables page to learn more about the program.

What is the Visionaries Tribute?

DOC NYC’s tenth annual Visionaries Tribute Event will take place as an in-person event on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Gotham Hall. You can find out more information and view past Visionaries Tribute honorees here.

Do you offer industry accreditation?

Visit our Industry page for full information, including how to apply for accreditation to film festival events.

I’m a member of the media who wants to cover DOC NYC – how can I apply for press credentials?

Press accreditation for DOC NYC’s film festival is available to media professionals. Visit our Press page for more information.

Where can I find information on films in past festivals?

Read the press releases for previous festival slates, award winners and more, or search for individual titles in the festival archive.

Where can I find the DOC NYC PRO program?

DOC NYC PRO’s 2023 Fall conference will take place in-person from November 9-16, 2023 at Village East by Angelika. PRO Day Passes and Multi-Day Pass Packs are on sale now. For more information, visit the conference page here.

DOC NYC PRO’s previously recorded online PRO events and classes from 2020-2023 are now available to a global audience. An overview of current and past events is available here.

Is there a discount if I’m interested in attending multiple PRO days at the 2023 conference?

Yes! We are happy to be able to offer Multi-Day Pass Packs, which includes discounted access 4 or all 8 DOC NYC PRO programming tracks and events for (1) individual from November 9-16, 2023. Grants complimentary access to the Festiva Lounge at Bar Veloce (space permitting) for days selected, including daily Breakfasts and Happy Hours. Does not include access to the Visionaries Tribute Luncheon or film screenings.

I’d like to attend a single in-person PRO panel – are tickets for individual panels available?

We are only able to offer full Day Passes for DOC NYC PRO 2023 programs.

I registered for an online PRO event – how do I access the program?

Click the “Stream” button either from the original confirmation web page, from your confirmation email (subject line contains “IFC Center Order Confirmation”), from “View Your Orders” page in your online profile OR from the “Stream” button on the event’s ticketing page (first click “Buy Ticket” on the program page, then “Stream” on the next page – you must be logged in). The page will refresh and launch Zoom when the event begins (if live). The event recording will also be available via this same link within 24 hours of the live event.

For the best experience when viewing live, we recommend downloading the Zoom desktop application or browser extension before the live event begins and turning off any ad-blocking, pop-up blocking, or privacy software prior to joining the livestream.

If you have questions about accommodations and accessibility for virtual events, please email accessibility@docnyc.net.

I can’t attend the live PRO virtual program – will a recording be available after?

Yes! For most virtual PRO events, following the live online event, the recording will be made available to registrants (at the same link used to stream the live event) within 24 hours. Additionally, all registrants will receive access to a transcript and program materials – an email containing all information will be sent to registrants within a few business days following the live event. Please note that this is for online PRO events only – this does not apply to in-person DOC NYC PRO events and select virtual programs where noted.

Is there a discount if I’m interested in attending multiple PRO virtual events?

Yes! We are happy to be able to offer Season Passes to past online seasons of DOC NYC PRO, which include discounted access to a season’s recorded PRO programs. Visit the Events page for more information on different season pass packages.

When do tickets, ticket packs and passes go on sale?

The 2023 festival slate has been announced – see the full film line-up here! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our latest programming announcements and updates!

For both in-person and online screenings, there will be a limited number of tickets available to purchase for each film – purchase tickets in advance to avoid getting shut out of a sold-out film!

Tickets, passes and packages will be available for purchase online only until November 1. In-person sales will begin November 1 at the IFC Center box office (located at 323 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10014) and at any open festival venue box office from November 8-16. Tickets for online screenings will be available to purchase online only.

How do I purchase a streaming ticket?

Click the blue “Tickets” link on the Program page or the “Buy Ticket” link on individual film pages to purchase. Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive a link to watch your selection – tickets for most feature-length films will be active to start streaming the day after their in-person festival screening; tickets for short film programs will be active to starting streaming at 12 AM ET on November 8. You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing after clicking Stream.

Note: All Film Passholders and IFC Center members must sign in first to activate ticketing benefits.

Where can I find a list of films screening virtually?

The 2023 festival slate has been announced – see the full film line-up here! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our latest programming announcements and updates!

Click here for a list of films screening virtually, and their online screening windows. The online films will be viewable starting at 12:00am ET on the online opening date listed and go offline at 11:59pm ET on the online closing date listed.

Do I need a DOC NYC account to stream the festival’s online films and events?

Yes, you need a DOC NYC account – click here to sign up. If you have purchased tickets online to any events or films at DOC NYC or IFC Center, you should already have an account. You can sign in with your IFC Center member number or your email address.

If you have forgotten your password, please follow the prompt to reset it by clicking the “Forgot Password?” link on the Sign In page.

Do IFC Center members receive member pricing or free tickets?

IFC Center members receive discounted pricing on all DOC NYC tickets for films hosted on the festival’s streaming platform and for in-person screenings.

Remember to sign in using your IFC Center credentials before selecting tickets – member pricing options will not appear until you are signed in.

What is a DOC NYC All Film Pass? How do I use it?

All Film Passholders can binge on all of the films in the 2023 program! The DOC NYC All Film Pass gets you access to every film screening during the live, in-person festival from November 8-16, plus films on the festival’s virtual screening platform from November 8-26. Additionally, All Film Passholders get complimentary access to the Festival Lounge at Bar Veloce (space permitting), including daily Breakfasts, and the option to purchase discounted Visionaries Tribute Luncheon tickets.

Once you have purchased your Pass, you will be emailed a confirmation with more details on how to use your Pass to stream films. Click here to purchase a 2023 All Film Pass.

What is a Ticket Pack? How do I use one?

Ticket Packs offer discounted ticket pricing for viewers who want catch several films in the festival – options are available for ticket packs to in-person screenings and online screenings.

Purchase of a ticket pack and ticket redemption selections can all be completed within the same transaction – check out our How To guide here for more details & step-by-step instructions.

Tickets are subject to availability, so make selections early to avoid disappointment. A ticket pack cannot be used to redeem tickets for events that are listed as Rush or Sold Out. Ticket packs for online screenings should be used to redeem only one ticket per title as redemptions for online screenings are only valid for the user account the ticket is associated with and cannot be forwarded to allow other accounts to access them.

I can’t find or have not received my confirmation email – what should I do?

Confirmation emails are sent automatically once your purchase is complete. If you do not receive your email within a few minutes of completion, check your Spam and Junk Mail folders. The email will be from info@ifccenter.com, subject starting with “IFC Center Order Confirmation.”

Are refunds available?

Once you have completed your purchase, refunds and exchanges are not available. Before completing your order, please ensure that you check your order is correct and, for streaming access, that your browser and computer are compatible.

Does DOC NYC offer group tickets?

Anyone interested in buying 10 or more tickets for a particular film should send an email to ticketing@docnyc.net with the subject line “Group Ticket Request – (Film Name) & (Quantity)”. Please allow 48 hours for reply. Quantities are not guaranteed.

Will there be Q&As for festival festivals? Will I need a ticket to access Q&As?

Most in-person screenings will have a Q&A following the end of the film. Your film ticket will allow you to attend the Q&A–just stay in your seat following the film’s end credits. Q&As can only be attended by ticketholders for that film. Q&A information will be listed on individual film pages.

Online screenings for 2023 will not feature live or pre-recorded Q&As.

Are there other events at DOC NYC besides film screenings?

Information about our DOC NYC PRO line-up can be found here; access to 2020-2023 recordings and session materials are available for purchase here. Additionally, details on previously-recorded DOC NYC Live filmmaker conversations from during the 2020 festival can be found here.

How do I forward a ticket? Can I redeem a ticket from my ticket pack for someone else to use?

Your PDF tickets for in-person screenings can be forwarded via email. DOC NYC cannot transfer tickets to another name, forward tickets on your behalf or manage guest lists for large ticket orders.

Tickets for online screenings and events cannot be forwarded or transferred to another user to access; streaming ticket purchases and ticket pack redemptions are only valid for the user account the ticket is associated with.

I’m trying to purchase a ticket for an online screening, but the page says it is SOLD OUT. How? Why?

Just like with our live DOC NYC festivals, there are a limited number of tickets available per film as approved by filmmakers. Please reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Is closed captioning available for online screenings?

When closed-captions have been made available to us by the film’s content owners, we are able to provide these captions for festival films when viewed on a browser through watch.docnyc.net. Unfortunately, due to technical limitations of our secure screening platform, captions are not currently available via third-party apps & devices such as Apple TV, Roku, AndroidTV and FireTV. A suggested workaround would be to start a captioned film on your computer or hand-held device, then cast it to your TV via Airplay or Chromecast. Viewers wishing to find closed-captioned films in the DOC NYC program are encouraged to filter our film lineup by the “closed-captioned” theme.

What is “streaming?”

For DOC NYC, “streaming” simply means watching a video over your internet connection (instead of downloading a file to your computer). It’s immediate and available on demand with any device that’s connected to the internet. Anytime you watch a film on Netflix, or a video on YouTube, you’re streaming!

How do I stream a film?

If you’re buying tickets before the festival opens, you’ll receive a link that will let you stream your selection – each film has a specific window of availability (details to be announced). If you’re buying tickets during the festival, simply click the Stream button that appears on the confirmation page after purchase, in your confirmation email or on the film page. You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing after clicking Stream.

How to watch on your computer, mobile phone or tablet

Currently you can stream through the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. For both PC and Apple computers, we recommend that you use the latest version of your browser.

Note: Internet Explorer is not supported.

How to watch on your television

DOC NYC app on Apple TV (Generation 4 or higher only), Roku, AndroidTV and FireTV

On the DOC NYC website, click on the “WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV” button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code – good for use on any of the four services. Open the “DOC NYC” app on the desired service and enter the code to stream the film.*

* All Access Passholders may log in to the DOC NYC app using their watch.docnyc.net credentials to unlock On Demand access to view films.

If you do not already have the DOC NYC app downloaded, search for “DOC NYC” in the App or Channel store and click “Get the App” or “Add Channel.”

Google Play app link (for AndroidTV): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cinesend.festival.docnyc

Amazon app link (for FireTV): https://www.amazon.com/CineSend-DOC-NYC/dp/B08KRZXFFB/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&qid=1605199594&refinements=p_4%3ACineSend&s=mobile-apps&search-type=ss&sr=1-8

Alternatively:

Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)

You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Instructions for screen sharing using your Apple TV using AirPlay can be found here. For information on screen sharing using your Chromecast, click here.

HDMI

If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.

When can I begin streaming my films?

Films available for purchase and hosted on our festival streaming platform will be viewable during a specific window of time, as indicated on film pages and in your email confirmation. Windows of availability will vary by film. You can stream by clicking on the “Stream” button in your confirmation email or on the film page. You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing after clicking Stream.

How long after I purchase a ticket do I have to stream a film?

Once you’ve clicked the “Stream” button, You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing. Windows of availability vary by film.

Can I watch a film more than once?

Yes. You can watch a film or event as many times as you like within your 48-hour window.

I am not currently in New York. Am I able to stream a film?

Films screening on DOC NYC’s festival platform are viewable within the US and US territories.

I am receiving this error message: “Your voucher has been redeemed by a different IP address.” What do I do?

For security reasons, you must view your film on the same WiFi network or Internet connection. Once you start your stream in one location, you cannot continue viewing it in another location or on a different network—for example, if you start watching at home and try to restart at a friend’s house. To stream on multiple devices in one location, make sure all devices are connected to the same network. Email ticketing@docnyc.net if you continue to experience difficulty or believe you are receiving this message in error.

Can I download a film instead of streaming it?

The DOC NYC streaming platform uses DRM technology to prevent downloading as a security measure. All films may only be watched while streaming. It is not possible to download a film.

All streams are available for 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete a viewing after clicking Stream.

What are the system requirements?

You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.

What are the requirements for Windows computers?

Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10

Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.

What are the requirements for Mac computers?

Mac OSX 10.12 or later

Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.

Can I watch content on my iPhone/iPad?

Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have “Screen Mirroring” turned off for content to play.

Can I watch content on my Android Device?

Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later. 

Can I Chromecast content?

You can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers as well as Android devices by selecting the cast button () in the bottom right-hand side of the player. 

Can I AirPlay to my AppleTV?

You can AirPlay from most browsers if you have Apple TV by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right-hand side of the player.

Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly?

We use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. If you’re on wifi, try moving closer to your router.

Why do I see a black screen if I am watching content with AirPay on my TV?

You likely have “Screen Mirroring” turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right.