Columbia, Missouri, is officially the center of the nonfiction film world today. The 23rd annual True/False Film Fest kicked off on March 5, 2026, bringing 61 documentary films to the city’s downtown venues. According to reports from KBIA, the festival remains a cornerstone for filmmakers looking to push the boundaries of reality and creative storytelling.

This year’s lineup boasts a massive Sundance Institute connection, with 18 films on the schedule having received support from the prestigious organization. Highlighting the program are Soul Patrol and Aanikoobijigan, both fresh off their award-winning runs at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. These titles have already garnered significant buzz from The Criterion Collection for their innovative approaches to the documentary genre.

The multi-day event is expected to draw thousands of attendees to screenings at historic locations like the Missouri Theatre. As the festival celebrates its 23rd year, its reputation for blending cinema with community art and music continues to grow. With 61 films to choose from, this year marks one of the most expansive and diverse programs in the event’s history.