Submissions for 2026 are now closed

We’re currently making our selections from over 100 features, series, and shorts that were submitted from around the world on a wide range of historical topics. Our jury of Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmakers will give all films equal consideration for the following awards:

  • Best Feature Film

  • Best Short Film

  • Best Student Film

  • Best Editing

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Sound Design

  • Best Use of Archival Material

  • Best Discovery (of an untold story)

  • Best Revision (of a well-known story)

  • Best Viewpoint (from a personal perspective)

What qualifies as a "historical" documentary?

We're looking for non-fiction films that explore specific events, figures, or issues and how they have made an impact on the course of history. Films may include contemporary characters or non-historic topics, but the majority of the film should be about or strongly connected to a topic that occurred at least 10 years in the past.

Films about the process of historic exploration or preservation will also be considered, but should aim to be accurate and informative about a specific topic.

All styles of non-fiction filmmaking will be considered, including educational, observational, first-person exposition, autobiography, participatory, reflexive, poetic, performative, hybrid and even docudrama (but not mockumentary). Storytelling devices can include narration, interviews, archival footage, research, primary and secondary sources, reenactments, animation and more. We want traditional educational films as well as original formats that defy categorization.

Promotional and sponsored films will not be considered.

For more details about eligibility and exhibition agreement visit https://filmfreeway.com/HindsightFilmFestival