9 Unmissable Documentaries Lighting Up the 2025 Woodstock Film Festival
Written by R.S. Nason-Regan for The Woodstock Film Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable week of film, conversation, and discovery as the 26th Annual Woodstock Film Festival rolls into the Hudson Valley. Among the highlights this year is a powerful slate of documentaries that move, challenge, and inspire audiences. Whether you’re a lifelong doc lover or simply curious about the world around you, these films promise to spark thought and emotion long after the credits roll. Be sure to check out:
STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! - At a time when America’s democracy is increasingly under threat, independent journalist Amy Goodman and her team continue to hold the line in the Democracy Now! newsroom. For decades, Goodman’s fearless reporting has stayed rooted in truth—cutting through corporate influence and political attacks branded with the buzz-word label of “fake news,” often designed to keep audiences divided and distracted. This riveting documentary paints a clear portrait of the importance of journalism, and why it’s so necessary – now more than ever – to protect the practice.
Screening: Saturday, October 18 at 3 PM - Woodstock Playhouse & Sunday, October 19 at 5 PM - Upstate Films (Saugerties) Orpheum Theatre
A Q&A with Amy Goodman and Oscar-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin will follow. Moderated by playwright, author, and activist V (formerly Eve Ensler) on 10/18 and filmmaker Yoruba Richen on 10/19.
A LIFE ILLUMINATED -This one is for all of the underwater enthusiasts out there. Those who are pulled in by the awesome power and mystery of the ocean, be sure to check out the deep sea documentary, A LIFE ILLUMINATED. Director Tasha Van Zandt and Marine Biologist Edie Widder work together, documenting a descent of 3,300 feet into dark waters in search of a powerful bioluminescence that could further our understanding of life on Earth. Come watch and find out what secrets have been unlocked!
Screening: Wednesday, October 15 at 5 PM - Bearsville Theater.
A Q&A with director Tasha Van Zandt will follow.
MR. SCORSESE - What better way to take in a film festival than by attending the exclusive preview screening of an upcoming documentary series focused on one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The Woodstock Playhouse will be screening the first two episodes of MR. SCORSESE, a five part series streaming on Apple TV examining the life of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The documentary features footage from the film icon’s private collections, as well as interviews touching on Scorsese’s directing style, and his lasting impact from longtime collaborators like Robert Deniro, and film industry giants such as Steven Spielberg.
Screening: Thursday, October 16 at 5 PM - Woodstock Playhouse
With a conversation between director Rebecca Miller, producers Damon Cardasis and Cindy Tolan, and editor David Bartner.
ASK E. JEAN - Hear the story of the woman who beat Trump in court…..twice! Columnist E. Jean Carroll became a beacon of the #MeToo Movement when she came forward with her history of sexual assault at the hands of United States President Donald Trump. With her natural talent as a writer, and nearly unparalleled poise, E. Jean Carroll tells her unfiltered account of being raped by Donald Trump in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room, and how she took him to court and won…..twice. Don’t miss out on this poignant and all too relevant telling of a woman’s empowering pushback against the ever grinding gears of the patriarchy. Directed by Ivy Meerpool.
Screening: Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 PM - Bearsville Theater
A Q&A with director Ivy Meerpool and subject E. Jean Carroll, moderated by Sheila Nevins will follow.
COMPARSA - When 41 girls died in a fire in a state-run safehouse in Ciudad Peronia, Guatemala, the pursuit of justice took an interesting and beautiful form. In response to such tragedy, a youth movement gathered momentum in the streets, led by teenage sisters Lesli and Lupe. In their protest, they incorporated elements of circus, live music, and performance art that captured the eyes of all onlookers, forcing them to not just watch, but to pay attention.
Screening: Thursday, October 16 at 7:45 PM - Upstate Midtown & Saturday, October 18 at 6:30 PM Upstate Films (Saugerties) Orpheum Theatre
A Q&A with directors Vickie Curtis and Doug Anderson, as well as screenwriters Lesli Canela Perez and Lupe Perez will follow, moderated by filmmaker Pamela Yates.
EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN SPORTS DOC - Most sports fans have likely sat down to watch at least one 30 FOR 30 Sports Documentary on ESPN. With gripping narration, carefully curated interviews, and an unparalleled access to sports footage throughout the decades, 30 FOR 30 has consistently produced some of the highest caliber sports documentaries in modern film. EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN SPORTS DOC delves into the process of making these incredible documentaries, covering a wide array of different sports throughout the eras. This film pulls back the curtain on exactly how the “30 for 30” model was built, and how it revolutionized sports documentaries.
Screening: Saturday, October 18 at 1:15 PM - Bearsville Theater
With a special conversation featuring a panel of producers, directors, and filmmakers including Marquis Daisy, Carolyn Hepburn, Gentry Kirby, and Rudy Valdez.
THE ARK - In the midst of the Russian invasion, a Ukrainian family on a rural farm found themselves taking in refugee animals displaced by the ongoing conflict, giving life to what became Green Grove Farm. This heartfelt story is one of courage, compassion, and quiet patriotism — a powerful reminder that all lives are precious.
Screening: Saturday, October 18 at 3:30 PM - Upstate Films (Saugerties) & Sunday, October 19 at 7 PM - Bearsville Theater (with a special visit from Peaches the donkey!)
A Q&A with director Jeremy Chilnick, editor Joe Vele, and producers Tony Castle and Roxy Hunt will follow.
MAN ON THE RUN - Beatlemania is coming to Woodstock! After more than 20 years of making documentaries, including Academy-Award Winner 20 FEET FROM STARDOM, director Morgan Neville provides audiences with a detailed look at the life of Paul McCartney, as he formed his iconic group Wings, and lived throughout the 1970s. If you’re a rock doc n roller, this one is sure to have fans throwing on their best Paul McCartney playlist on the drive over to the theater.
Screening: Saturday, October 18 at 9:15 PM - Bearsville Theater & Sunday, October 19 at 2:25 PM - Upstate Films (Saugerties)
SELENA Y LOS DINOS - There are stars, there are icons, there are legends—and then, there’s Selena. Grammy award winner and the undisputed Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla topped Latin charts and infused American airwaves with Tejano pop, leaving a lasting impression that has influenced artists for decades. SELENA Y LOS DINOS documents Selena’s rise to fame, from her earliest performances at her family’s restaurant, to her first touring days with Lowoodstockfilmfestival.org/2025-film-guides Dinos, this film provides beautiful insight into one of the most beloved, and tragically betrayed pop stars in history.
Screening: Sunday, October 19 at 11 AM - Upstate Films (Saugerties) Orpheum Theatre
A Q&A with director Isabel Castro, producer Julie Goldman, producer Christopher Clements, and producer Daniel Torres will follow. Courtesy of Netflix.
Don’t wait! Get your tickets today at woodstockfilmfestival.org/2025-film-guide.