The Doc’n Roll Film Festival is making a loud return to the UK

The 11th edition of the Doc’n Roll Film Festival returns to the UK this October, offering a dynamic mix of music, culture and cinema. The music documentary film festival, running from October 24th to November 10th, not only lights up renowned London venues such as the BFI Southbank, the ICA and the Barbican Cinemas, but also expands its reach to 12 additional cities across the UK and Ireland, including Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Doc’n Roll continues its mission to shine a spotlight on innovative and little-known music documentaries, celebrating the trailblazers, breakers and inspiring outsiders who shape the world of music. This year’s program is particularly ambitious, featuring 26 feature film premieres – including four world premieres and seven international premieres – and 80 events across the country.

Audiences can embark on a musical journey around the globe, from the bustling streets of New York City to the creative hubs of Melbourne and Toronto. The festival presents a wide range of genres including rock, punk, hip-hop, folk, R&B, experimental music and jazz. Highlights include the first official documentary about Wu-Tang Clan’s “Ol’ Dirty Bastard,” providing an intimate look into the legendary rapper’s life, and Hakeeman exploration of British singer-songwriter Hak Baker, culminating in a live performance in IMAX.

Vanessa Lobon Garcia, director and co-founder of the Doc’n Roll Film Fest, was excited about this year’s program. “I’m pleased to announce that our programming will feature more women than ever before – a significant achievement in a genre still dominated by male perspectives,” she noted. “The inclusion of a film about acclaimed painter Chris Gollon reflects our desire to bring stories of significant cultural significance to the big screen.”

Many screenings are followed by exclusive question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers and artists, offering unique insights into the creative processes behind the films. This interactive approach is consistent with Doc’n Roll’s commitment to celebrating music subcultures and providing a platform for marginalized voices.

A highlight of the festival is the Doc’n Roll Jury Award for the Music Doc of the Year, in which six films are in competition. Judged by a panel of industry luminaries – including actress and director Caroline Catz, DJ and broadcaster DJ Paulette and music journalist Daniel Dylan Wray – the award underlines the festival’s commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions to music documentary filmmaking.

Despite the challenges facing the film industry, Doc’n Roll remains true to its mission. “We are excited to bring new energy and new audiences to theaters,” added Lobon Garcia. “Our festival thrives on the passion of our community and we are proud to continue to push boundaries, both in our programming and in the way we champion independent cinema.”

Tickets are available now through the Doc’n Roll website, offering film enthusiasts and music lovers the opportunity to experience these stories the way they were meant to be seen – on the big screen and out loud.