2025 DOC NYC Awards: Unveiling the Best Documentaries

DOC NYC Unveils 2025 Short List: A Glimpse into the Future of Documentary Filmmaking

As the 16th edition of DOC NYC approaches, America’s largest documentary festival has announced its highly anticipated 15-film Short List. This year’s festival will take place from November 12 to 20 at various venues across New York City, including the IFC Center, SVA Theatre, and Village East by Angelika. Following the in-person screenings, the festival will continue online until November 30, allowing audiences nationwide to engage with the powerful narratives presented.

A Legacy of Oscar Contenders

DOC NYC has a storied history of showcasing films that resonate with both audiences and critics alike. Over the past 14 years, the festival has consistently featured documentaries that later secured nominations for the Academy Awards. Notably, 13 of the last 14 Oscar-winning documentaries were screened at DOC NYC, with titles like “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” and “Citizenfour” among the celebrated films. The festival’s ability to spotlight emerging talent and significant stories has made it a crucial stop on the awards circuit.

The festival’s Short List is curated by Artistic Director Jaie Laplante and Director of Special Projects Thom Powers, who oversee a selection committee dedicated to identifying the year’s most compelling nonfiction films. This year’s Short List not only highlights potential Oscar contenders but also serves as a platform for films that have already garnered accolades at major international festivals.

Noteworthy Premieres and Award Winners

Among the highlights of this year’s Short List are two New York City premieres: “Cutting Through Rocks” and “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.” The former, directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at Sundance, while the latter, directed by David Borenstein, has been selected to represent Denmark in the Best International Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards.

The festival’s programming also includes a section called Winner’s Circle, which celebrates films that have already received significant awards recognition. This year’s selections include “Below the Clouds,” directed by Gianfranco Rosi, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, and “Holding Liat,” a poignant exploration of familial bonds amid geopolitical turmoil, which won the Berlinale Documentary Award.

A Diverse Array of Stories

The 2025 Short List features a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the complexities of contemporary society. From the exploration of political ideologies in “Apocalypse in the Tropics” to the intimate love story in “Come See Me in the Good Light,” the films tackle a wide range of themes.

“Co-Existence, My Ass!” follows Noam Shuster Eliassi, a comedian who uses humor to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while “Cover-Up” chronicles the investigative journalism of Seymour Hersh, exposing systemic deception within U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Each film offers a unique perspective, inviting audiences to engage with pressing social issues through the lens of documentary storytelling.

The Short List: Features

The Short List: Features includes the following titles:

1. 2000 Meters to Andriivka

Director: Mstyslav Chernov
A continuation of the narrative from “20 Days in Mariupol,” this film provides a deeper understanding of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

1. Apocalypse in the Tropics

Director: Petra Costa
A critical examination of the rise of Christian fundamentalism in Brazil and its implications for society.

1. Co-Existence, My Ass!

Director: Amber Fares
A comedic take on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of a stand-up comedian.

1. Come See Me in the Good Light

Director: Ryan White
A touching love story about poets facing a cancer diagnosis with humor and resilience.

1. Cover-Up

Directors: Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus
An exploration of investigative journalism and the quest for accountability in the U.S. military.

1. Cutting Through the Rocks

Director: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni
A trailblazing councilwoman in Iran empowers girls through activism and motorcycles.

1. Heightened Scrutiny

Director: Sam Feder
A landmark case in the Supreme Court addressing trans rights in America.

1. Mistress Dispeller

Director: Elizabeth Lo
A woman in China hires a professional to intervene in her husband’s affair.

1. Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Director: David Borenstein
A teacher’s secret filming of Russia’s militarization of education.

1. My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay

Director: Mariska Hargitay
A personal journey to uncover the legacy of Jayne Mansfield.

1. Orwell: 2=2=5

Director: Raoul Peck
A reflection on power and society through the lens of George Orwell’s work.

1. The Perfect Neighbor

Director: Geeta Gandbhir
A raw examination of a neighborhood dispute and its tragic consequences.

1. Predators

Director: David Osit
A critical look at the legacy of the “To Catch a Predator” series.

1. Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk

Director: Sepideh Farsi
A poignant documentary about a Palestinian photojournalist.

1. The Tale of Silyan

Director: Tamara Kotevska
A magical folktale that intertwines with themes of rescue and transformation.

The Short List: Shorts

In addition to the feature films, the Short List: Shorts showcases 15 titles that highlight the best in short-form documentary storytelling. This year’s selections include:

1. All the Empty Rooms

Director: Joshua Seftel
A haunting exploration of the spaces left behind by gun violence.

1. All the Walls Came Down

Director: Ondi Timoner
A personal reflection on racial and economic inequities following a devastating fire.

1. Am I the Skinniest Person You’ve Ever Seen?

Director: Eisha Marjara
A poignant look at the impact of dieting on sibling relationships.

1. Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

Directors: Brent Renaud, Craig Renaud
A tribute to journalists who risk their lives to tell the stories of war.

1. Children No More: Were and Gone

Director: Hilla Medalia
Silent vigils in Tel Aviv mourn the children lost in conflict.

1. The Devil is Busy

Directors: Christalyn Hampton, Geeta Gandbhir
A look at the challenges faced by staff at an abortion clinic.

1. Last Days on Lake Trinity

Director: Charlotte Cooley
A community fights against eviction from their trailer park.

1. Maybe It’s Just the Rain

Director: Reina Bonta
A young athlete’s journey back to her roots after a historic win.

1. Oh Yeah!

Director/Producer: Nick Canfield
A cultural exploration of a song that became a touchstone in American pop culture.

1. Qotzuni: People of the Lake

Directors/Producers: Gastón Zilberman, Michael Salama
A community faces the consequences of environmental degradation.

1. The Reality of Hope

Director: Joe Hunting
A VR friendship leads to a life-changing kidney donation.

1. Songs of Black Folk

Directors: Justin Emeka, Haley Watson
A celebration of Black artists uniting through music.

1. Tessitura

Directors/Producers: Lydia Cornett, Brit Fryer
Transgender opera singers challenge traditional boundaries in their art.

1. Tiger

Director: Loren Waters
A personal journey of grief and artistic reclamation.

1. We Were the Scenery

Director: Christopher Radcliff
A reflection on the experiences of war survivors in South Vietnam.

Conclusion

DOC NYC continues to be a vital platform for documentary filmmakers, showcasing a diverse array of stories that resonate with contemporary audiences. As the festival gears up for its 2025 edition, the Short List serves as a testament to the power of documentary storytelling in illuminating the complexities of our world. With its rich history of Oscar contenders and a commitment to showcasing emerging talent, DOC NYC remains a cornerstone of the documentary film landscape.