SIFF DocFest is back, bringing with it 15 documentaries from around the world to SIFF Cinema Uptown. From October 3-10, SIFF DocFest will screen award-winners (Berlin Film Festival’s Golden Bear winner “Dahomey”), real-life thrillers (“Yintah”), docs on nature (“500 Days in the Wild”) and plenty of music (“Eno,” “Devo”).

The lineup is strong. DocFest has a history of screening Award-nominated films, hosting premieres, and giving film fans a chance to connect with filmmakers through discussions and events. This year is no different.

We’re here for it

Looking over the schedule, you really can’t miss during this weeklong celebration of docs. A few films we are looking forward to include “They All Came Out to Montreux.”  This one shines a light on the founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival who created the fest and took it from it’s humble beginnings in 1967 to the powerhouse it is today.

Hear from industry legends and take a look back at some of the great performances that have graced the stage including Miles Davis, Prince, Aretha Franking, and others. As Questlove once said, “Montreux Jazz is the original prestige festival. If they invite you here, it is your duty and an honor to come and perform.”

Natural wonders and more

Other docs we have our eye on include “Wilding,” about a 3,500-acre rewilding project of an English country estate. “Driver,” which puts you in the driver seat with a group of female, long-haul truck drivers, who ban together for safety and equitable treatment on the road. And, “The Movie Man.” If you love film, especially film when it is shown in a theater, this one is for you. The doc chronicles the process of owning and operating a multiplex…in the woods of Northern Ontario.

New for 2024, SIFF introduces the DocFest Audience Award, allowing fest goers to vote for their favorite film. Not an easy task given the lineup.

DocFest Schedule:

Thursday, October 3 – 7:00pm They All Came Out To Montreux
Friday, October 4 – 5:00pm Wilding | 7:00pm Yintah
Saturday, October 5 – 1:00pm Farming While Black | 3:30pm Every Little Thing | 7:00pm Devo
Sunday, October 6 – 1:00pm DRIVER | 3:30pm The Movie Man | 7:00pm Checkpoint Zoo
Monday, October 7 – 5:00pm Witches | 7:30pm Searching for Amani
Tuesday, October 8 – 5:00pm New Wave | 7:30pm Eno
Wednesday, October 9 – 7:30pm 500 Days in the Wild
Thursday, October 10 – 7:30pm Dahomey

Visit SIFF for additional information on showtimes and ticketing.