Central Scotland Documentary Festival

Central Scotland Documentary Festival 2026

The Central Scotland Documentary Festival returns from Thursday 5 – Monday 9 November 2026, bringing five days of bold storytelling, powerful conversations and unforgettable non-fiction cinema to audiences across the region.

CSDF celebrates real stories and radical voices — championing filmmakers who challenge perspectives, amplify underrepresented experiences and explore the world with honesty and imagination. From intimate character studies to urgent investigative features, the festival showcases documentary in all its forms, connecting audiences with stories that matter.

Our first film announced

We’re delighted to reveal the first film in this year’s programme: the World Premiere of David Nicholas Wilkinson’s 1 IN 2.

The special screening will form part of CSDF 2026, with all proceeds from the screening donated to Maggie’s, supporting the vital work they do for people with cancer and their families.

1 IN 2 is just the first glimpse of what we have planned for this year’s festival. Further programme announcements will be made over the coming weeks, with the full Central Scotland Documentary Festival 2026 programme revealed in mid-September.

Keep an eye on this page and our social channels as we reveal more of #CSDF26.