Melbourne Documentary Film Festival

06/08/2026

That’s a wrap on MDFF 2026. 🎬❤️
What a month.
To every filmmaker who trusted us with their work, every audience member who bought a ticket, streamed a film, came to a Q&A, masterclass or special event, and every person who shared, recommended and championed the festival — thank you.
A festival only exists because people show up. You did, in so many ways.
To our incredible filmmakers: thank you for making the films that start conversations, challenge us, move us, make us laugh and remind us why documentary matters.
To our audiences: thank you for filling cinemas, watching online, discovering new voices and giving these films the attention they deserve.
And to our wonderful team, volunteers, partners, venues, supporters and everyone working behind the scenes — thank you for the enormous amount of care, time and energy you poured into making MDFF 2026 happen.
140 documentaries. 31 days. Countless stories, conversations and moments.
Thank you for being part of it.
And now… MDFF 2027. 🎥
MelbourneFilm AustralianFilm DocumentaryCinema SupportDocumentary IndependentFilm FilmFestival Melbourne

05/08/2026

28/07/2026

Missed the cinema screenings? Don't worry... there's still time! 🎬
The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival may have wrapped up in cinemas, but you can still catch an incredible lineup of documentaries online until 31 July.
If you're looking for something thought-provoking, inspiring or simply different to watch, this is a great opportunity to discover stories from Australia and around the world—all from the comfort of your own home.
🍿 Grab your favourite snack, settle in and enjoy some outstanding documentary filmmaking before the online festival comes to an end.

28/07/2026

In the summer of 1978, two iconic punk bands, The Cramps and The Mutants came together to perform a free show for the staff and patients at Napa State Mental Hospital. Originally captured on tape by Target Video, the performance went on to become one of the most memorable in the entire history of music.

In the short documentary ‘We Were There to Be There’, this archival footage is dispersed by commentary from those lucky enough to witness the gig firsthand. ‘They were so overwhelmed by someone even caring to put on a show and they got so into it,’ reflects Joe Rees, Director of ‘The Cramps: Live at Napa State Mental Hospital’ (1981).

From the Cramps’ performance at the film’s centre, the US directors Mike Plante and Jason Willis explore the political climate leading up to and following the show – from the explosive 1970s art scene to the lasting negative impacts of US government efforts to defund and privatise mental healthcare. https://psyche.co/videos/how-two-punk-bands-came-to-play-a-california-psychiatric-hospital

26/07/2026

Very honoured to receive Best Emerging Director Award at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival last week. My deepest thanks to The Number 4 Band who allowed me inside their personal world to make a film about their incredible music and the love and passion they have for each other and their audiences. And big thanks to MDFF for selecting me this year for this award. Melbourne Doco Fest / Naarm Doco Film Fest That half barbaric twang NumberFourBand Betti Boutich ava dupont 🦦✮⋆˙ David Field Geoff Morrell GeoffmorrellArtist Timbo! Shark Island Institute Ian Darling

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

Minda's documentary A House for Humans has been shortlisted at the 2026 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, telling its 125-year history.

23/07/2026