The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has confirmed that Doc Edge will retain its prestigious Oscar® qualifying status through 2025, 2026, and 2027. This recognition reaffirms Doc Edge’s position as a world-leading documentary film festival and solidifies its role as a key platform for filmmakers seeking Academy Award® consideration.
As part of this confirmation, winners in the categories of Best International Feature, Best International Short Film, Best New Zealand Feature, and Best New Zealand Short Film at Doc Edge will remain eligible for consideration for an Oscar®. This ensures that films showcased at the festival continue to receive global exposure and recognition at the highest level.
“We are incredibly proud of our continued relationship with the Academy,” said Doc Edge Festival Co-founder and Director Alex Lee. “The Academy Awards®’ ongoing trust in our programming, curation, and judging process is a testament to the exceptional quality of documentaries we showcase and the unique platform we offer filmmakers. As the premier documentary film festival in the Asia-Pacific region, we look forward to continuing to celebrate and promote the best in global documentary filmmaking.”
The Academy acknowledged Doc Edge’s outstanding contributions, stating: “Inclusion on the Qualifying Festival List is a privilege offered to organisations that are considered outstanding by the Academy, not only based on the films they select but also for their continued contributions and commitments to the global filmmaking community.”
Doc Edge, now in its 19th year, continues to enjoy strong support from filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences alike. The festival achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 73 in 2023, reflecting the high satisfaction levels of participants. The survey results further revealed that 80% of respondents are festival promoters themselves, underscoring Doc Edge’s importance and influence within the global festival circuit.
The festival remains one of only two festivals in the world to qualify four films for Oscar® consideration in the documentary category, with Brazil’s “It’s All True International Documentary Festival” being the only other. Doc Edge continues to be the leading gateway for documentary filmmakers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, offering unparalleled exposure to international audiences and industry professionals.
Submissions are now open for the 20th Anniversary edition of Doc Edge in 2025.
About Doc Edge
Doc Edge (The Documentary Edge Festival) is New Zealand’s premier international documentary film festival. Founded in 2005, it has grown into one of the world’s most significant platforms for documentary content, recognised for its innovative programming and commitment to supporting filmmakers. In addition to showcasing the best in international documentary filmmaking, Doc Edge offers industry events, masterclasses, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, fostering a vibrant documentary community.
For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact Rachael Penman.
