The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is an annual international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of non-fiction cinema. Each spring Full Frame welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from around the world to historic downtown Durham, North Carolina for a four-day, morning to midnight array of over 100 films as well as discussions, panels, and southern hospitality. Set within a four- block radius, the intimate festival landscape fosters community and conversation between filmmakers, film professionals and the general public.

Full Frame's mission is to support the documentary form and community by showcasing the contemporary work of established and emerging filmmakers and by preserving film heritage through archival efforts and continued exhibition of classic documentaries. The festival is also committed to building wider national and international audiences for documentary film and enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the art form and its significance.

The festival is produced by Doc Arts, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and receives support from corporate sponsors, private foundations and individual donors whose generosity provides the foundation that makes the event possible. The Presenting Sponsors of the Festival are Duke University and The New York Times.

Full Frame is open to everyone - filmmakers and film lovers alike. Documentary naturally lends itself to discussion; it deliberately provokes thought, conversation and even controversy. With many filmmakers in attendance, Q&A sessions after most screenings, and state-of-the-art projection and sound, Full Frame provides an unmatched cinema experience.

Approximately 40% of the audience travels to the festival from across the country and abroad. Our audience is also comprised of the interesting demographic that makes up the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, one of the most educated communities in the world, which includes a university community and those working in Research Triangle Park. There's a mix of men and women, ranging from high school students to retirees, all looking to learn more about the world around them.

Over four days we screen 100+ films, beginning on Thursday morning and ending late Sunday evening. Film programs usually start around 10:00 each morning, with the last ending around midnight each night.

Each program includes at least one film, and often more than one film. With the vast majority of exhibiting filmmakers in attendance, films are likely followed by a question and answer session with the director or subject. These Q&A’s are a highlight of the festival.

Opening Night Festivities take place Thursday evening. The Awards Brunch happens Sunday morning.