DISCOVER DOCUMENTARY AT CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL 2026
DISCOVER DOCUMENTARY AT CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL 2026
From the front lines of Gaza to climate activism to punk rock, our documentary programme brings extraordinary real-life stories to the big screen.
Powerful, provocative, funny and deeply moving, these are films that challenge perspectives, celebrate remarkable people and spark conversations.
AMERICAN DOCTOR
WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM | THE POLY, FALMOUTH
Three doctors. One oath. A devastating war.
From Oscar-nominated director Poh Si Teng comes a powerful documentary following three American doctors, Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian, who volunteer in Gaza's overwhelmed hospitals.
What they witness compels them to take their fight far beyond the wards and into the corridors of power in Washington. An extraordinary story of courage, medical ethics and the personal cost of speaking out.
WE, THE HATED
THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER | 5PM | THE POLY, FALMOUTH
How far would you go for something you believed in?
Director Rich Felgate takes us behind the headlines and roadblocks of Just Stop Oil, following four activists as they confront the personal consequences of civil disobedience.
With remarkable insider access, this provocative documentary asks urgent questions about protest, power, democracy and what it really costs to take a stand.
Official Selection CFF2026
WATCH THE TRAILER
BUGBOY
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER | 3PM | THE POLY, FALMOUTH
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SPECIAL SCREENING AT THE RITZ | MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER
A boy, a bug and an unlikely friendship.
Shy 16-year-old George finds connecting with people difficult. Following his parents' painful divorce, he retreats into the fascinating world of insects and forms an unlikely bond with a cricket named Isabella. A wonderfully warm, funny and tender coming-of-age documentary about friendship, difference and finding your place in the world.
A Cornwall Film Festival Director's Pick presented as a UK preview.
DOCUMENTARY ON TOUR
We're taking brilliant documentary beyond Falmouth, bringing inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking films to audiences across Cornwall.
ULTIMATE THUNDER
SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER | 2PM | WTW TRURO
Britain's most punk rock band turns up the volume!
Winner of the Sheffield DocFest 2026 Audience Award, ULTIMATE THUNDER is a joyful, loud and big-hearted documentary about six musicians making their mark on the punk scene. Five band members have learning disabilities, Down syndrome or autism, and their raw, improvised gigs have earned them a growing following. A funny, defiant celebration of friendship, resilience and the power of making noise together.
Subtitled and autism-friendly screening.
DEREK VS DEREK
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER | 7PM | MABE VILLAGE HALL
Two neighbours. Two very different visions for the countryside.
Infamous rewilder Derek Gow and traditional farmer Derek go to war over the future of their land in this funny and timely documentary.
One is an advocate for intensive farming; the other is giving his entire farm back to nature. Tempers fray, wild animals escape and the two Dereks butt heads over what the English countryside should look like and who gets to decide.
A brilliantly entertaining look at one of the most urgent debates facing our countryside.
NO TREES, NO SEAS + Q&A
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER | 7.45PM | THE POLY, FALMOUTH
What if the key to saving our seas lies in our forests?
A surfer's search for what is killing our seas leads him deep into the forest, uncovering an ancient truth: that the key to healing our oceans lies on the land.
Presented by surfer and environmentalist Sam Bleakley, this inspiring Cornish documentary reveals the extraordinary connections between woodlands, rivers and oceans, and how bringing back our forests could help restore nature both on land and at sea. Part of the ambitious No Trees No Seas campaign, driven by Plant One CIC, to create 500 hectares of fish forests across Cornwall.
PLUS A SPECIAL Q&A WITH SAM BLEAKLEY AND GUESTS.
COME FOR THE FILMS. STAY FOR THE CONVERSATION.
Documentary is at its best when we experience it together. Join us this November for remarkable stories, fresh perspectives and films that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Thank you for supporting the CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL 2026
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