Exploring Narratives: A Preview of the 23rd Annual True/False Film Festival

The True/False Film Festival has announced its lineup for the 23rd annual showcase, featuring a total of 61 documentaries, including 36 feature films, 25 short films, and two repertory films. Among the films are 21 world premieres, three U.S. premieres, and four North American premieres. The festival will take place from March 5 to 8 in various venues across downtown Columbia. Tickets and more information can be found on the festival's website.
One of the featured films is "Director: Marialusia Ernst (U.S., Bolivia), 2025," which follows a caravan of Mexican mothers searching for their missing children who disappeared while attempting to cross the American border. The film interweaves the director's personal story of her uncle's disappearance, exploring themes of family, loss, and migration.
Another film, "Directors: Adam Khalil & Zachary Khalil (U.S., Denmark), 2026," focuses on the Michigan Anishinaabek Cultural Preservation and Repatriation Alliance as they work to bring home ancestral remains from colonial institutions. The film won the NEXT Audience Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
"Director: Deming Chen (U.S., China, France, Taiwan), 2025," tells a coming-of-age story of a young poet from rural China as he transitions into adolescence. The film uses black and white and color cinematography to depict the passage of time.
The True/False Film Fest will showcase a diverse range of films, each offering a unique perspective on various social, cultural, and personal narratives. From stories of migration and loss to explorations of identity and community, the festival promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging experience for audiences. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of documentary filmmaking at this year's True/False Film Festival.