Celebrating Real Stories on the Big Screen
Saturday 10th October 2026
Now in its fifth year, the Bedford Documentary Film Festival brings documentary filmmakers and audiences together for a day dedicated to real stories, remarkable people and independent filmmaking.
Founded in 2022, the festival was created to give documentary filmmakers a place where their work can be seen by a real audience on the big screen.
From short documentaries and student films to feature-length productions, we celebrate documentary in all its forms. We are interested in the story, the filmmaker and what they have to say — not the size of the production or the budget behind it.
The 2026 Festival
The fifth Bedford Documentary Film Festival takes place on Saturday 10th October 2026 in Bedford.
Throughout the day we will screen a selection of documentaries chosen from this year’s entries, with awards presented across our festival categories.
Whether you are a filmmaker, documentary enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys discovering fascinating true stories, you are very welcome to join us.
An Independent Documentary Festival
Bedford Documentary Film Festival is an independent festival with a simple aim: to celebrate documentary filmmaking and the people who make documentaries.
We know how much work goes into getting a documentary from the original idea to the finished film. Our festival gives filmmakers an opportunity to put that work in front of an audience and have it recognised.
The festival is based in Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London, and has welcomed documentary submissions from filmmakers far beyond the local area.
About the Festival Director
Jason Gurr — Founder & Festival Director
Bedford Documentary Film Festival was founded in 2022 by documentary producer and director Jason Gurr.
Jason has been making documentaries for around 15 years, with work produced for national television, international broadcast, the British Film Institute and online platforms.
His documentary career began without film school or a traditional route into the industry. Since then, he has produced four documentaries for national television and produced and directed six documentary films for the British Film Institute.
That experience is one of the reasons Bedford Documentary Film Festival exists: to create a welcoming independent festival where documentary filmmakers at different stages of their careers can have their work watched, appreciated and celebrated.
Join Us on 10th October
Our fifth festival takes place on Saturday 10th October 2026.
Come and discover this year’s selected documentaries, meet filmmakers and celebrate another year of independent documentary filmmaking in Bedford.
Bedford Documentary Film Festival — Real Stories. Real Filmmakers. Big Screen.
With Thanks
We would like to thank Harrison & Simmonds for their continued support of the Bedford Documentary Film Festival.
We would like to thank our Sponsors Harrison & Simmonds