Doc10 Documentary Film Festival Returns

Chicago’s Doc10 documentary festival opens Friday, April 24, with 10 days of nonfiction films, filmmaker talks and new civic programs across two North and Loop venues. (doc10.org) The 2026 edition runs through May 3 at the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square and the Gene Siskel Film Center in the Loop, according to the festival schedule and Chicago tourism listings. Doc10 says this is its 11th year. (doc10.eventive.org, choosechicago.com) The core lineup is 10 “official selection” features, and the festival schedule adds separate “Speak Truth” screenings built around civic dialogue, plus filmmaker question-and-answer sessions. Passes and single tickets are on sale through Eventive. (doc10.eventive.org, doc10.eventive.org) Doc10 has built its pitch around early access: the festival says its films are curated from major stops including Sundance, Telluride, Venice and Berlin, and that Chicago screenings are often the first or only local big-screen play. The organization also says 20 of the more than 50 films it has premiered were shortlisted or nominated for Academy Awards. (doc10.org) This year’s opening film is “Give Me the Ball!,” a documentary about Billie Jean King, according to Doc10’s press page and festival coverage. Other 2026 selections highlighted in local previews include films on Norman Lear, Girl Scouts and the war in Ukraine. (doc10.org, wbez.org, newsbreak.com) The 2026 festival also arrives as documentary groups are warning about tighter funding and distribution. WBEZ reported this week that Doc10 lost federal money, while Block Club Chicago reported organizers still expanded the lineup with features, shorts and special guests. (wbez.org, blockclubchicago.org) Local coverage says the guest list includes actor Henry Winkler and author Salman Rushdie for special events tied to the broader program. The festival’s Eventive page says the “Speak Truth” strand is designed around “thought-provoking conversations” and “dynamic civic dialogue.” (blockclubchicago.org, doc10.eventive.org) Ticket prices vary by program. Choose Chicago listings say most official-selection screenings are $20, most “Speak Truth” programs are $10, and special events are priced separately. (choosechicago.com) For Chicago moviegoers, the near-term date is simple: screenings begin April 24, not later in the month, and the full run ends May 3. The schedule and ticketing are already live. (doc10.org, doc10.eventive.org)