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JACKSON, TENNESSEE — September 20, 2025 — The Jackson Doc Fest proudly hosted its Fourth Annual International Documentary Film Festival Awards and Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the historic Chambers-McClure Theater at Lane College.

This year’s festival attracted 425 documentary submissions from 74 countries, reinforcing its growing international reach and commitment to independent filmmaking, cultural exchange, and meaningful storytelling.

The 2026 award recipients represent a remarkable range of perspectives, from Kenya’s struggle over colonial land ownership and Japan’s centuries-old theatrical traditions to the human consequences of war, environmental change, disability, equality, and family relationships.

International Films Highlight Global Issues

Among the featured winners, Kikuyu Land, directed by Bea Wangondu and Andrew H. Brown, received the Social Justice Feature Award. The investigative documentary follows a Kenyan journalist uncovering her family’s history while examining the enduring consequences of colonial land dispossession and the global tea industry.

Japan’s Shumei, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Takashi Miike, earned the East Asian Feature Award for its intimate portrayal of Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII’s succession within Japan’s legendary Kabuki tradition.

In the Humanity Feature category, The Great Experiment, directed by Stephen Maing and Eric Daniel Metzgar, explores American democracy and national identity during a period of political division. Also recognized was Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me, directed by Mohammed Sawwaf, documenting a Palestinian mother’s desperate struggle to reunite with her surviving children amid the war in Gaza.

Other notable recipients include The Haunting of Pennhurst, a powerful examination of disability, institutional history, and entertainment; The Life We Leave, exploring the emergence of environmentally sustainable funeral practices; and Black Water, which examines climate-related displacement in Bangladesh.

Celebrating Human Resilience and Cultural Heritage

The festival also honored Frost: The Story of a Lifetime, directed by Tom Seawell, celebrating pioneering American climber and environmentalist Tom Frost.

STALIN BOYS, directed by Ora DeKornfeld and Bianca Giaever, received the American History Short Award for its engaging story of four Mexican-American middle school students entering a Texas history competition.

The Humanity Short category recognized I Wanted To Hear Your Voice, directed by James Pellerito, an intimate portrait of a son’s experience caring for his mother with dementia, and Adas Falasteen, directed by Hamdi Khalil Elhusseini and Samar Taher Lulu, about a Palestinian chef providing hope and nourishment amid wartime shortages.

The festival’s Special Award selections included Listen, directed by Taliesin Black-Brown and winner of Best Documentary Short at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, and Generations of Service: The LaShaunda Jackson Story, directed by Gina Gelphman, honoring the legacy of African American military service.

Recognizing the Next Generation of Filmmakers

A central part of Jackson Doc Fest’s mission is encouraging emerging filmmakers and young storytellers.

This year’s student film winners included Filme-Copacabana, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Sofia Leão; The Long Distance, by Kyrgyz filmmaker Alina Baitokova; Threading the American Dream, by Ashish Shrestha; [Trans] Texan, by Hallie Harper; Black Rain In My Eyes, by Amir Athar Soheili and Amir Masoud Soheili; and Born 2 Desire, by Canadian filmmaker Jayde Sobota.

These films reflect a new generation of international talent exploring family, identity, social equity, cultural heritage, and the human experience through personal documentary storytelling.

Five Years of Building an International Film Community

Founded in Jackson, Tennessee, Jackson Doc Fest has evolved into an international platform connecting independent filmmakers, students, educators, and audiences through documentary cinema.

Through its annual awards and ongoing educational and cultural initiatives, the festival seeks to expand opportunities for filmmaker mentorship, student involvement, community screenings, and international collaboration.

As Jackson Doc Fest enters its next chapter, its mission remains centered on the belief that documentary film can preserve history, encourage understanding, amplify underrepresented voices, and connect people across cultural and geographic boundaries.

About Jackson Doc Fest

Jackson Doc Fest is an international documentary film festival based in Jackson, Tennessee. The festival recognizes outstanding documentary filmmaking across American History, East Asian, Equality, Environment, Humanity, Religion and Faith, Social Justice, and Student Documentary categories.

Little Satchmo Documentary Wins Emmy

Little Satchmo, written and directed by John Alexander, was the winner of the 2022 AMERICAN HISTORY – FEATURE category at Jackson Doc Fest and has since gone on to win the Southeast Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary, emerging as the top title among five nominees. The Emmy win was announced at the 49th Annual Emmy Awards Gala on Saturday, June 17, in Atlanta, with the award presented to Alexander and producer JC Guest.

The PBS documentary follows Sharon Preston-Folta, who comes forward after more than five decades to reveal that she is the daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong and Harlem dancer Lucille “Sweets” Preston. Little Satchmo examines the deeply personal reasons she kept her identity private for more than 50 years and traces her emotional journey toward publicly acknowledging her father and reclaiming a hidden chapter of American cultural history.

After a sold-out world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Greece, Little Satchmo screened at major international festivals across France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the United States. The film later debuted at the American Black Film Festival, Hot Docs’ Doc Soup Film Series in Toronto, and the Oscar-qualifying Krakow Film Festival. Its U.S. theatrical release began in March 2022 in New Orleans, the hometown of Louis Armstrong.

The documentary features narration by John Boutté and original music by Emmy and Grammy-winning composer Eddie Korvin, with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. It was produced by JC Guest and the late Lea Umberger, with executive producers Sharon Preston-Folta, Emily Bonavia, and Susan Houston. Prior to its Emmy win, the film was also nominated for the Best Historical Documentary Emmy in May 2023, further underscoring its critical acclaim and lasting cultural impact. 

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JACKSON, TENNESSEE — September 20, 2025 — The Jackson Doc Fest proudly hosted its Fourth Annual International Documentary Film Festival Awards and Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the historic Chambers-McClure Theater at Lane College.

The evening began at 5:00 PM with a red-carpet reception honoring distinguished guests, followed by the Awards Ceremony and Gala Show. The program featured live music, a ballet performance by Ballet Arts, and a special tribute to Jackson’s own legendary figure, Charley Pride, recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Charley Pride was a trailblazing country music icon and the first Black superstar in the genre. Over his extraordinary career, he earned three Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named CMA Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. A member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Pride’s enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans worldwide.

This year’s festival showcased an outstanding lineup of international documentaries highlighting pressing social issues, environmental challenges, and deeply human stories. Films were submitted from over 70 countries, with many having premiered or been honored at prestigious festivals around the world.

An esteemed jury of award-winning filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders selected this year’s winners, reflecting Jackson Doc Fest’s growing global influence as a hub for documentary excellence and cultural exchange.

 

2025 Jackson Doc Fest Award Winners:

Black History – Feature
How To Build a Library — Maia Lekow, Chris King (Kenya)

Black History – Short
Chrisman Blues — Ted Fisher (USA)

Equality – Feature
Night and Fog in Kurdistan — Shilan Saadi (Belgium)

Equality – Short
Mother v. Maricopa County — Kristin Atwell Ford (USA)

East Asian – Feature
Third Act — Tadashi Nakamura (USA)

East Asian – Short
Paris to Pyongyang — Helen Lee (Canada)

Environment – Feature
Only on Earth — Robin Petré (Denmark)

Environment – Short
Rock, Plastic, Salmon — Josh “Bones” Murphy (Canada)

Humanity – Feature
Songs of Slow Burning Earth — Olha Zhurba (Ukraine)

Humanity – Short
Your Last Best: A Memphis Rox Story — Glen Janssens (USA)

Religion & Faith – Feature
Maestro Roman Toi: Beautiful Songs I Dedicate to You — Kalli Paakspuu (Canada)

Religion & Faith – Short
Fiddler on the Moon: Judaism in Space — Daniel A. Miller, Seth Kramer, Jeremy Newberger (USA)

Social Justice – Feature
Khartoum — Anas Saaed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, Phil Cox (Germany)

Social Justice – Short
Beneath the Same Sky — Christine Kane (USA)

Student Films
Driving Day — Rosa Kim (South Korea)
Freedom Screams: Unbridled Freedom — Meryem Sahin (Kyrgyzstan)
From the Ashes — Jaden Mason (USA)
Remembering Together: The Final Flight of CNAC 60 — Selina Liu (USA)
The Distance Between — Madeleine Sophia Wilson (USA)
What Is Social Justice? — Allen Myers (USA)

About Jackson Doc Fest

Founded in 2021, Jackson Doc Fest has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive documentary film festivals. With an impressive 30% annual growth in submissions, the festival continues to elevate Jackson, Tennessee as a rising global destination for documentary cinema, education, and cultural dialogue.
Dedicated to films that challenge perspectives and spark empathy, Jackson Doc Fest connects filmmakers, students, and audiences through a shared commitment to truth, creativity, and community impact.
For more information, visit www.jacksondocfest.org or follow @jacksondocfest on social media.

 

lane doc fest is now jackson doc fest

Jackson Doc Fest has rapidly emerged as one of the top documentary film festivals in the world, with a mission to become the premier global destination for documentary cinema. Since its inception, the festival has seen a remarkable 30% annual increase in submissions, starting from over 750 films representing 92 countries in its early years. This impressive growth reflects the festival’s rising influence and its unwavering commitment to showcasing powerful, thought-provoking storytelling.

As we evolve from our origins as Lane Doc Fest and adopt our new identity as Jackson Doc Fest, this transformation represents more than just a name change—it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our new name honors a deepening relationship with the City of Jackson and a growing network of local, national, and international partners. It also symbolizes our aspiration to engage new generations, amplify diverse voices, and build a festival that reflects both global relevance and local pride.

Our mission is clear: to foster opportunities for filmmakers, documentarians, and students, while strengthening community ties through the art of documentary film. By cultivating greater interest in the genre—especially among youth—we aim to inspire meaningful conversations and contribute to a culture of inclusion, empathy, and critical thinking.

Jackson Doc Fest is more than a screening event. It is a dynamic forum that connects filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and local audiences. Each year, we present a curated collection of award-winning independent documentaries that highlight vital themes such as social justice, democracy, peace, cultural awareness, and freedom.

Our commitment to the Jackson community includes supporting local education, creative industries, and economic development. We work in close partnership with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and businesses to enrich cultural life and provide pathways for academic and professional growth.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a student, or a passionate advocate for social change, you’ll find a place at Jackson Doc Fest. From inspiring screenings and workshops to networking events and student programs, we offer a platform where ideas are exchanged, connections are made, and the transformative power of documentary storytelling comes alive.

Join us in celebrating the power of film to educate, connect, and transform. Together, we are building a festival that not only enriches the cultural fabric of Jackson, Tennessee, but also serves as a gateway to global perspectives and ideas.

2024 lane doc fest - gala show

LANE DOC FEST Announces Its Third Edition: Award and Gala Show on October 5, 2024

JACKSON, TENNESSEE, September 10, 2024 – Lane Doc Fest will host its third annual prestigious international documentary film festival awards and gala event on October 5, 2024, at the renowned Chambers-McClure Theater located within Lane College. The evening will begin at 5:00 PM honoring our esteemed guests, followed by the grandeur of the red-carpet awards ceremony and gala show. This captivating event features a meeting with Jackson local hero Coach Abernathy and a music performance by the legendary JD Taylor of Little Boys Blue. It is open to the public, filmmakers, students, and our distinguished guests alike. The event will be MC’d by Keith Davis and Keri Baughman.

Lane Doc Fest, an annual tradition, serves as a platform to showcase independent documentary films that illuminate critical social issues, human essence, environmental concerns, and cultural awareness. By bringing a diverse array of international films to our community, Lane Doc Fest embodies the pinnacle of cinematic and visual artistry, highlighting both local talents and filmmakers from around the world. This year, Lane Doc Fest received submissions from over 400 films spanning 68 countries, including works recognized at prestigious festivals like Berlinale, Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and Sheffield. Our esteemed panel of judges includes globally acclaimed, award-winning filmmakers and a diverse range of industry professionals.

A highlight of this year’s festivities is the world premiere of the short documentary film “Painting Victory: The Journey of Coach Ron Abernathy.” It tells the inspiring story of Coach Ron Abernathy’s rise alongside basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, highlighting their triumphs, challenges, and enduring legacy as Jackson’s local basketball coach. In addition, Lane Doc Fest is honoring Shaquille O’Neal as a recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Shaquille O’Neal is a retired NBA basketball player renowned for his dominant presence as a center who won four NBA championships and was a 15-time All-Star. Since retiring, he’s been active in the media, business, and philanthropy.

This year’s event is sponsored by many local businesses and Lane College, as well as Magic Korea, for their generosity in sharing K-Beauty products to promote Korean culture and encourage cultural diversity. Additionally, LANE DOC FEST and LANE DOC INSTITUTE have launched a special program aimed at empowering youth and helping them become proficient leaders in their chosen career paths. This initiative includes career counseling and a range of professional development opportunities.

Lane College to Host Film Festival in September – WBBJ 7

https://www.wbbjtv.com/2022/05/13/lane-college-to-host-film-festival-in-september/The festival is specifically focused on documentaries. Some categories include social issues, environmental issues, and cultural awareness. You don’t have to be a Lane College student to enter the festival. It’s open to students, non-students middle and high schoolers.

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Film festival at Lane College

Lane College will host its inaugural international film festival in September. The inspiration came from the history behind the U.S.S. Lane Victory ship. Film director, Christopher HK Lee, wrote a documentary about the ship entitled, “Forgotten Victory.”
He reached out to Professor Paul Rivas, teacher of history, to tour Lane College and discuss the documentary. In that discussion, an idea to have a film festival at Lane College was born.
U.S.S. Lane Victory was a cargo ship named after the college. It was an American Victory-class cargo ship used in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. In 1989, the ship was preserved to serve as a museum in the San Pedro area in Los Angeles. U.S.S. Lane Victory is the only surviving cargo ship that was named after an HBCU.

Read more here..