Discover the incredible documentary film festival in Columbia, Missouri, that everyone’s talking about
By Helene Martin, Contributing Writer
There are so many diverse film festivals in the US, and Destination Film Guide has discovered another dynamic event taking place in March 2026. The True/False Film Fest, hosted annually in Columbia, Missouri, proves why it’s a must-attend festival for documentary buffs, producers, filmmakers, and anyone curious about real-life experiences captured on film.
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What is True/False Film Fest?
With a diverse array of film festivals in the US, what is the True/False Film Fest, and why is it a must-attend event for 2026?
One man’s quest for his brother’s murderer. The harrowing journey of an Afghan family fleeing the Taliban. An island of 27 inhabitants confronts the impacts of climate change. Every March in Columbia, Missouri, a buzz begins to circulate throughout the local scene with controversial, raw and honest accounts of the human experience. Thousands of eager documentarians and cinephiles flock to participate in the one-of-a-kind film festival every year.
From Columbia’s heritage of great journalism and a new wave of cinematic documentaries, the True/False Film Festival was born. Founded by Paul Sturtz and David Wilson in 2004, True/False aims to capture the excitement of—and provide a platform for—documentary films, with a mission to invite all visitors to immerse themselves in the exploration of assumptions and share in the joy, wonder, and introspection that documentaries offer.
True/False Film Fest Experience
Every March, True/False transforms the college town of Columbia, Missouri, into an interactive art piece. This year, the event will run from March 5 to 8, 2026, and embarking on a cathartic film journey during one of their screenings is just the beginning. Since the festival’s inception over two decades ago, True/False has continued to expand, and its artistic program is packed with live music, art installations, director Q&As, and much more.
Town Offerings
Between art walks and live music, there is plenty to keep you busy between showtimes in Columbia, Missouri. And the mid-Missouri community found here is sure to draw you in with its welcoming spirit, eclectic shopping and delicious local eateries.
Main Event
Onto the main event—the films. Spanning downtown Columbia, several theaters and event locations host feature films, international documentaries and boundary-pushing works. Director Q&As also provide valuable insight into the inner workings of documentary filmmaking, as audiences are invited in to learn the artist’s process.
More than just a film festival, True/False has evolved over the last two decades to offer a long weekend filled with new experiences and narratives that explore the human condition.
True-False Film Fest Gameshow. Photo credit True-False Film Fest Facebook
The True/False March & Gimme Truth!
The annual March March (yes, you read that right) kicks off the long weekend of festivities. With its vibrant apparel and lively atmosphere, the event is open to festivalgoers and the public. From Courthouse Square, floats and people adorned in bright colors carry the infectious energy down to the Missouri Theatre, where a block party awaits.
True/False Film Fest’s Gimme Truth! is a dynamic documentary game show featuring a diverse panel of documentary industry judges. Using short documentary-style clips, local filmmakers attempt to stump the judges and contestants by asking whether the statements are entirely true or false. Prizes are awarded to the top three films at the conclusion of the exciting live experience.
True/False Film Fest’s Focus
True/False is among the most influential documentary film festivals in the United States and has firmly established itself as a premier film festival in Missouri.
Community Forward Initiative
True/False, at its core, is based in community. They celebrate the dedication and creative pursuit of documentary filmmaking through the True Vision Award. One documentary is honored each year with a handcrafted award created by a local artist in mid-Missouri. Last year, Hu Sanshou, a Chinese director and cinematographer, received the award for his contributions to the art form. His latest film, Resurrection, focuses on his hometown as new construction displaces the village’s burial grounds. Many movies featured at the True/False Film Fest highlight this harsh reality, offering audiences glimpses into the lives of communities from around the world.
True Life Fund
The focus of the film festival is not only to provide a platform for the art of documentary filmmaking, but also to uplift the communities that are featured in the documentaries. Since 2007, True/False has been inviting audiences who enjoy its documentaries to participate in a new way. The True Life Fund raises money for a recent nonfiction film every year, honoring the film’s subjects and providing an opportunity for the audience to effect real change. The 2025 True Life Fund film winner was The Track, which follows three young men and their coach in Sarajevo as they persevere through hindrances, fighting to qualify for the Olympics.
True-False Film Fest music and dancing. Photo credit True-False Film Fest Facebook
Tips: How to Attend True/False Film Fest
With early bird sales on now until December – or until passes run out – don’t wait to get your True/False Film Fest pass.
Passes & Pass Levels
Offering multiple pass levels, there is something for diehards, first-timers, filmmakers, and everyone in between. Though weekend passes are recommended for the whole True/False experience, you can grab tickets for individual screenings—secure tickets online, at the box office, or from the “Q” day of.
For more information, visit https://truefalse.org/tickets/ and reserve yours soon!
Accessibility & Amenities
The True/False Film Festival welcomes everyone and strives to be inclusive and accessible to all. Their venues are wheelchair accessible and offer ASL interpreters for select screenings. Additional accommodations (such as assistive hearing devices) can also be requested in advance.
Local Lodging
Columbia, Missouri, features a beautiful downtown that is just a short walk, bike ride, or shuttle away from the fest. And if you are traveling and need local lodging, True/False has you covered with its partnership with local hotels.
For first-time festivalgoers, this might all seem a little overwhelming. It’s essential to slow down, plan ahead, and most importantly, be flexible. The True/False Film Fest is designed to run as smoothly as possible. With a clear screening schedule, early ticket reservations, and plenty of side events to attend in between, planning is easy.
Art Walk in Columbia MO. Photo credit True-False Film Fest Facebook
Behind the Scenes
Above all else, the people at True/False value nonfiction as a living art form. They seek out and elevate films that have a sense of curiosity, ethics and creative ambition. The film selection process begins by examining newer works, those from within the last year. With an abundance of film submissions every year (only around 40 films that make the cut), they are looking for documentaries that genuinely stand out. Drawn to filmmakers who take risks and push the creative boundaries, they still place the principal value on integrity.
A quaint, brick building in Columbia houses the Ragtag Cinema, home of The Ragtag Film Society. Founded by the same people who started True/False, this society is a year-round effort to bolster the documentary film industry through immersive art experiences. And every March, through partnerships with local organizations, invaluable contributions from hundreds of volunteers, and enthusiastic community involvement, they share the magic of documentary filmmaking on a broader scale at the True/False Film Fest.
Ragtag Film Society in Columbia MO. Photo credit True-False Film Fest Facebook
Why True/False Matters
The True/False Film Fest goes beyond the scope of your average film festival. It is a weekend-long celebration of global documentary artistry as it invites you to experience the living art form in all its raw, honest and uncomfortable glory.
True/False not only transforms the bustling city of Columbia, Missouri, both inside and out into an imaginative playground for artistic expression and exploration; it also transforms you – the viewer. Through the screen, audiences are invited to share in the life experiences of others. The festival is a testament to the dedication and passion behind documentary filmmaking, opening up the world of others to be viewed, digested, experienced, inhabited, celebrated, and contemplated.
For filmmakers, this is an exceptional opportunity to connect with the documentarian community, eager to share and compare their own unique experiences and perspectives in the industry. Gain exposure and insight with the Feature Film Director Q&As after the screenings and mingle with fellow festivalgoers. There is a rich goldmine of community outreach and networking potential for newcomers and long-time documentarians alike.
Looking Ahead
2026 marks the 23rd year of the True/False Fest. While the festival continues to evolve, with new and diverse event offerings, it remains true to its mission. This coming year, they are entering a “moment of renewal,” honoring their roots and continuing to invite daring questions to drive the art of documentary filmmaking.
Submissions to True/False Film Fest
Submissions for featured and short films are still open. So, if you have a story to tell, submit a film application – late deadlines close December 1, 2025. Once all films are considered, the official film and event schedule for 2026 will be released in February. But festival passes are on sale, so plan now to dive into their one-of-a-kind festival experience this March.
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