The 5th annual DocLands Documentary Film Festival will be held virtually Friday, May 7 – Sunday, May 16, 2021. The announcement was made by Mark Fishkin, Founder/Executive Director of the California Film Institute and Founder/Director of the internationally known Mill Valley Film Festival.

With the extended dates of May 7-16, the Festival feels that it can build upon the structure and innovations introduced during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, while being responsive and respectful of the public health situation. This flexibility means planning for an accessible and inclusive virtual Festival, with the possibility of limited in-theater screenings available while maintaining virtual access to those unable or unwilling to travel.

“It was such a privilege and honor to have my most recent film at DocLands Documentary Film Festival. Despite the difficult situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the team at DocLands put together an unforgettable experience, one that I will cherish for a long time.” – Filmmaker Christopher Smith, Current Sea

Submissions for the 2021 Festival opened, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 for new works in documentary features (60+ minutes), mid length films, and shorts. Rules and regulations are available on FilmFreeway and filmmakers can submit a film for consideration via upload there.