Milwaukee Film

Dialogues Documentary Festival

September 24-27, 2026

Documentary films open conversations and expand minds. Mark your calendar for September 24-27 in 2026 and plan to join us 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 2025 Dialogues Documentary Festival! Support like theirs make these programs possible.

Join us for DDF 2026

Passes on Sale!

Early Bird Pricing through 9/7 – $75 and Members get $10 off!

Get your pass to the 2026 Dialogues Documentary Film Festival Here!

“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!”

— 2025 Dialogues Documentary Festival Attendee

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the film festival take place?

Dialogues Documentary Festival takes over screens at the Downer and Oriental Theatres each fall for a long weekend chock-full of ideas.

How can I purchase tickets or passes for the festival?

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.

What types of films will be showcased at the festival?

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!

Are there any special events, workshops, or Q&A sessions with filmmakers?

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!

Can I submit my own film to be considered for the festival lineup?

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!)

Is there an age restriction or audience rating for attending certain screenings?

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.

Milwaukee Film is committed to elevating and celebrating EVERYONE’S story – and the films chosen for this event were reflective of that commitment, mission, and purpose. Such a vast array of lived experiences and human emotion. I learned so much.

— 2025 Dialogues Documentary Festival Attendee

No shows scheduled

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