Impact DOCS Awards

Impact DOCS Awards Serving Oscar-winners to fresh new talent since 2016! A premier documentary awards competition! Welcome to the inaugural year of the IMPACT DOCS Awards!

IMPACT DOCS is the newest member of the Global Film Awards Family – a family of film festivals that have been serving filmmakers for more than 10 years. We believe in the power of film to IMPACT the world – and documentary filmmakers are often on the leading edge of global changes by shifting perceptions, behavior and habits of the viewers. Our goal at IMPACT DOCS is to promote filmmakers of all

backgrounds and experience levels – to ignite social change and to support their careers in meaningful filmmaking. If you have found this competition because you are one of these documentarians – we not only welcome you – but wish to offer you a sincere nod of gratitude for what we know has been hard work in bringing an important message to the world at large. Thank you for all you do. We wish you the best of luck with your film entry. We look forward to being of service to you.

Congratulations to all the incredible winners! Their vision, passion, and deep dedication to documentary storytelling ha...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to all the incredible winners! Their vision, passion, and deep dedication to documentary storytelling have made a lasting IMPACT on our world. From daring concepts to captivating ex*****on, their exceptional work sparks thoughtfulness, curiosity, and imagination in every frame. We honor their artistry and celebrate the vital stories they bring to light. Check out the full list of winners and celebrate their achievements here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

A huge round of applause to Best of Show winner Gillian Mosely for "Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale"! BAFTA-winner Mose...
08/20/2026

A huge round of applause to Best of Show winner Gillian Mosely for "Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale"! BAFTA-winner Mosely sets out to understand what happens when unhealed collective trauma is weaponized by politicians and broadcast as truth. Her in-depth, deeply personal investigation explores how inherited trauma, nationalism, political power, and media narratives shape public perception surrounding the war in Gaza.With deft direction, candid interviews, archive footage, and striking AI-generated animation, Mosely explores the roots of a national moral crisis. The film reveals how internal media can create parallel realities, while warning of what happens when political power exploits fear—not only in Israel, but in any vulnerable society. See it here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Susan Kucera for her compelling doc feature "IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES:...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Susan Kucera for her compelling doc feature "IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY"! Narrated by Oscar winner Jeff Bridges, this stunning film follows wolves as co-travelers through the sweeping story of America—revealing how their presence has shaped our history, mythology, landscapes, and sense of nationhood. Through breathtaking cinematography and a rich range of perspectives, Kucera beautifully weaves history, science, Indigenous knowledge, and contemporary conservation into a compelling exploration of our changing relationship with the wild. More than a film about wolves, it is a powerful reflection on who we are and what kind of relationship we want with the natural world going forward. See it here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Brett Marty and Josh Izenberg for their deeply moving documentary shor...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Brett Marty and Josh Izenberg for their deeply moving documentary short, "Plant Life"! The film offers an intimate look at biologist Joanne Chory, who has spent her life unlocking the secrets of plants. Now, facing advancing Parkinson’s disease, she is pushing forward with the most audacious research of her career: re-engineering crops to pull carbon from the atmosphere and lock it deep in the soil, with the potential to cut the pace of climate change in half. Through artful direction and intimate observation, Marty and Izenberg bring us close to Chory’s fierce intelligence, vulnerability, and enormous heart. It is a powerful race against time and an exhilarating testament to a remarkable woman determined to leave the world better than she found it. Executive produced by Emmy-winner Chad Cohen. See it here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Scott Sinkler for his powerful documentary, "ABSOLUTIONS: War and Mora...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Scott Sinkler for his powerful documentary, "ABSOLUTIONS: War and Moral Injury"! Emmy-winner Sinkler’s deft direction delivers an unflinching look at the psychological and spiritual aftermath of combat, told with rare intimacy and intensity. Through deeply personal testimony, the film reveals the inner world of veterans whose experiences of war have left wounds that go beyond PTSD—exposing the devastating reality of Moral Injury, which occurs when combat collides with deeply held beliefs about right and wrong. With pitch-perfect interviews, tight editing, and a restrained, reflective visual language, it offers a profound glimpse into a form of trauma that is often misunderstood and largely invisible to civilians. At a time when more than 17 veterans die by su***de each day, this film brings moral injury into urgent focus, offering vital recognition, understanding, and pathways toward healing. See it here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Ena-Sanan Hdagha for "Behind One Smile / ما وراء الإبتسامة"!To escape ...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to Outstanding Achievement winner Ena-Sanan Hdagha for "Behind One Smile / ما وراء الإبتسامة"!To escape military recruitment and death, a fourteen-year-old boy flees war-torn Aleppo after his family makes the heartbreaking decision to send him away, hoping he can find safety. Khaled journeys unaccompanied along the dangerous Balkan route from Syria to Germany, enduring brutal, inhumane conditions until he finds protection with volunteer Ena-Sanan in a Croatian transit camp. Deeply emotional and moving, this film takes us into the heartbreaking reality faced by thousands of children forced to make these journeys alone. Behind Khaled's terrifying experiences is a sweet, loving boy who loves to sing—a child holding onto humanity, empathy, hope, and dignity despite the unimaginable circumstances he faces. His story is a vital window into the lives of millions of displaced families searching for safety, belonging, and a future. See it here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

We are proud to recognize this season's Award of Excellence - Special Mention winners. Representing the competition's To...
08/20/2026

We are proud to recognize this season's Award of Excellence - Special Mention winners. Representing the competition's Top 10! These filmmakers delivered outstanding projects defined by excellent cinematic craft, technical precision, and a completely fearless creative vision that earned the highest respect of the judges. Read about them here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

Celebrating this season's Award of Excellence winners! These filmmakers truly captivated the judges with compelling, exp...
08/20/2026

Celebrating this season's Award of Excellence winners! These filmmakers truly captivated the judges with compelling, expertly crafted documentaries that push the boundaries of non-fiction storytelling. Their extraordinary creativity, vision, and ex*****on shone through brilliantly. See their work here: https://impactdocsawards.com/

A round of applause for this season's Award of Merit winners! This group showcased diverse voices and styles, delivering...
08/20/2026

A round of applause for this season's Award of Merit winners! This group showcased diverse voices and styles, delivering highly compelling work across their documentaries. Their craftsmanship, dedication, and artistic commitment shine through in every frame. See the winners here: https://impactdocsawards.com/awards-of-merit-august-2026/

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