docafilmfestival (1)

Festival start: 13 November 2026      Festival end: 31 December 2026

DOCA Film Festival is an independent film festival founded in Silicon Valley, California, created for filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who use moving images to share ideas, explore creativity, and connect with audiences.

Built around audiences, DOCA Film Festival creates opportunities for filmmakers to share their work through a public cultural experience where films can be discovered, experienced, and remembered.

The inaugural DOCA Film Festival will take place during San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in downtown San Jose, California — the heart of Silicon Valley. Selected films will be screened throughout the 48-day festival season as part of a large-scale public cultural experience, creating opportunities for filmmakers to connect with diverse audiences.

The event is expected to welcome 80,000+ visitors, including local communities, families, and visitors from around the world, providing filmmakers with an opportunity to share their stories with audiences in an open and accessible environment.

Best Narrative Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animation Short Film
Best Music, Dance & Performance Film
Best Experimental & New Media Film
Best AI-Assisted Film
Best Solo Creator Film & Video
Best Shot on Mobile
Best Micro Short
Best Young Creators Award
Best Bay Area Story
Best Commercial & Branded Film

Submission Guidelines

DOCA Film Festival welcomes filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from around the world.

Submitted works must be original works created by the submitting filmmaker or team.
All genres, styles, and production methods are welcome, including narrative films, documentaries, animation, experimental works, AI-assisted creations, and emerging media.
Films should be no longer than 18 minutes in duration. Works under 3 minutes may be submitted to the Micro Shorts category.
Films in languages other than English are welcome and should include English subtitles when possible.

Selection & Screening

Selected works will be presented as part of the DOCA Film Festival program during San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in downtown San Jose, California.
Selected filmmakers grant DOCA Film Festival permission to screen their work during the festival period and to use approved promotional materials, including film stills, posters, trailers, and excerpts for festival promotion.
Selected works may be screened multiple times throughout the festival period.
Final programming, screening schedules, and presentation formats will be determined by DOCA Film Festival.

Rights & Responsibilities

By submitting a work, the filmmaker confirms that they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the submitted content.
Filmmakers retain ownership and copyright of their submitted works.
Submission does not guarantee selection.
Entry fees, once submitted, are non-refundable.