BGDM at DC/DOX 2026

From June 11–14, documentary filmmakers and audiences will gather in the nation's capital for the fourth edition of DC/DOX. While the festival may be one of the newest additions to the documentary landscape, it has quickly established itself as a vital destination for nonfiction storytelling, bringing together bold films, urgent conversations, and the people shaping the future of the field.

And this year, BGDM members are everywhere.

A remarkable 52 films screening at DC/DOX 2026 were worked on by Mafiosxs.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Across the festival's lineup of features and shorts, BGDM members are directing, producing, editing, shooting, composing, impact producing, and shaping stories at every level. It is an extraordinary reflection of the talent within our community and a reminder that women and gender-expansive filmmakers of color are not waiting for permission to participate in this industry. We are helping define it.

For a festival entering only its fourth year, the presence of BGDM members is impossible to ignore. Our films are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, exploring personal and collective histories, interrogating power, celebrating culture, and documenting communities often left out of mainstream narratives. These are stories on the pulse of culture, and audiences in Washington, DC, will have no shortage of opportunities to experience them.

Reality Check Forum

One of the biggest reasons filmmakers flock to DC/DOX isn't just the films. It's the Reality Check Forum, a three-day gathering where some of the most influential voices in documentary come together to talk honestly about the craft, business, and future of nonfiction storytelling.

Explore 21 sessions over 3 days: masterclasses, workshops, conversations, a live podcast recording, a performance, and a 1:1 networking event exploring the forces reshaping documentary storytelling today. Topics range from archival producing, editing, cinematography, and impact strategy to emerging questions around AI, sustainability, funding, distribution, and career longevity. Whether you're developing your first short, fundraising for a feature, navigating post-production, or simply trying to understand how the industry works, the Reality Check Forum offers practical insight that can take years to learn on your own.

Meet the Community

Curious who from the Mafia will be in DC? Check out our Meet the Members grid to learn who's attending, and start connecting before you even arrive in DC. Who knows? Your next conversation could lead to your next collaboration.

Community Meet-Up

Nonfiction Hotlist Happy Hour

After a day of screenings and panels, come connect with fellow members of the documentary community.