From 10 to 13 September 2026, Maribor will once again become a meeting place for documentary film enthusiasts. The 15th DOKUDOC International Documentary Film Festival will take place at the Maribor Puppet Theatre and other venues around the city, connecting outstanding filmmaking with Maribor’s stories, spaces and distinctive urban character.

The festival presents a diverse selection of Slovenian and international documentaries, complemented by conversations with filmmakers, a professional discussion on documentary film distribution, a masterclass and live music events. This year’s highlights include the festival opening with Metod Pevec’s film Ko pridem ven, the presentation of the Documentary Name 2026 award and a masterclass with Croatian director and screenwriter Igor Bezinović.

What makes DOKUDOC special is its close connection with Maribor. Documentary stories come to life not only on the cinema screen but also at distinctive locations around the city – from the Judgement Tower and Minoriti to a special event aboard a traditional raft on the River Drava. By collaborating with local associations, cultural venues and urban initiatives, the festival connects documentary film with the everyday life of Maribor and the places that give the city its recognisable identity.

This unique interplay between film and urban space has been an essential part of the festival’s character ever since Maribor held the title of European Capital of Culture. It is also one of the reasons why documentary film enthusiasts from Slovenia and abroad return to the city year after year.