September 24-27, 2026
Documentary films open conversations and expand minds. Join us September 24-27 for four days of films and discussions that will fill your heart and mind with timely, relevant, and true stories.
Thank you to Potawatomi Casino Hotel for sponsoring the 2026 Dialogues Documentary Festival! Support like theirs make these programs possible.
Sep 8 – Friends & Family Preview Night
Sep 8 – Individual tickets on sale (Members Only!)
Sep 9 – Individual tickets on sale (General Public)
Sep 24 – The festival begins!
Reminder: Individual tickets go on sale Sept 8 for Milwaukee Film Members, Sept 9 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased online at mkefilm.org/ddf or in person at the Oriental Theatre and Downer Theatre box offices.
INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES
$80 General Public / $70 Milwaukee Film Members
See more films with a pass to the Dialogues Documentary Festival!
Individual Tickets on Sale 9/8 for Members – 9/9 for General Public
Check out this year’s films here!
Support our mission throughout the festival!
Make a donation, become a Member, or bid in our silent auction!
— 2025 Dialogues Documentary Festival Attendee“It’s almost too much to put in words. Milwaukee Film does an exceptional job of connecting the audience with people whose lives are so dramatically different from our own. That experience renders understanding, compassion, empathy, and advocacy for the subject matter. More of this, in our ugly and divisive world, PLEASE!”
Dialogues Documentary Festival takes over screens at the Downer and Oriental Theatres each fall for a long weekend chock-full of ideas.
Passes for the 2026 Dialogues Documentary Festival are now available here! Individual tickets go on sale September 8 for Milwaukee Film Members and September 9 for the general public.
We show documentaries that are timely and relevant for Milwaukee. Often fresh from Festivals like Tribeca, True/False or SXSW, we show a range of docs that didn’t quite make the timing for MFF in spring!
We have Q&As, talkbacks and even panels in the cinema right after many screenings during this festival. More details will be announced when the lineup and film guide are released to the public later this summer!
Because there are so few slots in the Dialogues Documentary Festival, we don’t accept direct submissions for this festival. We do, however, encourage you to submit your film to our annual Milwaukee Film Festival. (Sometimes we find a good Dialogues candidate within those submissions!)
Most documentaries are unrated, meaning that they have not been reviewed by the MPAA. Documentaries can feature tough real-life scenarios, so viewer discretion is advised regardless of age. We do not feature a section of family-friendly films in the Dialogues Documentary Festival, though we will share in film descriptions if any films feel especially kid-friendly.
In addition to our Presenting Sponsor Potawatomi Casino Hotel, we’d also like to recognize the other wonderful sponsors and supporters who have generously contributed financially and through in-kind services to support our mission.
SPONSORS
Visit Milwaukee • Eventive
SUPPORTERS
Herb Kohl Philanthropies • Tracey B. Thomas • Zilber Family Foundation
PRESENTING MEDIA PARTNER
WUWM 89.7 FM
MEDIA PARTNERS
540 WAUK • MKE Lifestyle • Milwaukee Courier • Milwaukee Magazine• Radio Milwaukee • The Recombobulation Area • WISN Channel 12 • WMSE 91.7 FM • WNOV • Wisconsin Public Radio • Yelp