Introduction to the film festival
DokuBaku IDFF – Azerbaijan’s Premier International Documentary Film Festival
Founded in 2017, the DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival (IDFF) is the first and only independent documentary film festival in Azerbaijan. Taking place annually in the vibrant city of Baku, DokuBaku is dedicated to showcasing bold, thought-provoking, and visually striking documentaries from around the world.
Established by filmmaker Imam Hasanov and a collective of passionate creatives, the festival was born out of a desire to cultivate a new platform for independent documentary cinema in the Caucasus. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic cultural space where filmmakers, artists, and audiences come together to explore the complexities of the human condition through non-fiction storytelling.
DokuBaku’s mission is to support and promote independent documentary filmmaking by offering a stage for diverse voices—especially those that challenge dominant narratives and illuminate underrepresented perspectives. By bridging East and West, tradition and innovation, the festival seeks to inspire dialogue, understanding, and creative exchange both locally and globally.
Now preparing for its 9th edition, DokuBaku 2025 will be held October 13–19 in Baku, under the evocative theme "Divine"—5DWORLD and beyond — a cinematic exploration of the sacred, the spiritual, and humanity’s deeper connection to life, nature, and the unknown.
LAST CHANCE!
Don’t miss the opportunity to have your work showcased in a festival that celebrates truth, creativity, and courageous storytelling.
Sfilmmaker is our exclusive platform for cooperation in China, and we look forward to your films.
Awards
The winning film in each category gets the prize, which is a unique artwork made by a local artist.
● DokuTam - Best Feature Documentary Film:
– CosmoHuman (iCosmos) & iHuman – Special Mention
● DokuShort - Best International Short Documentary:
– CosmoHuman (iCosmos) & iHuman – Special Mention
● DokuShort - Best Local Documentary:
– CosmoHuman (iCosmos) & iHuman – Special Mention
● DokuKids - Best Documentary for Kids:
– iCyborg:
● DokuBox - Debut Films
(first or second films, experimental, non-traditional documentaries)
– NewEYE
● DokuMuse – Documentaries about Music, Dance, Rhythm
● DokuEcho – Non-Propaganda Documentaries About Nature, the Ecosystem of our Mother Earth
● We invite visionaries, seekers, and storytellers to unveil the mysteries of divinity through the art of cinema. From the sacred echoes of the past to the uncharted possibilities of the future, from the whispering forests to the boundless void of the stars, we seek narratives that illuminate, challenge, and expand the perception of the infinite. Whether through the lens of nature’s wisdom, the fire of personal transformation, or the boundless landscapes of the unseen, your stories hold the power to reshape the world.
● Join us in sculpting a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries, ignites awareness, and breathes new life into the eternal question of what it means to be divine.
● Festival Dates: October 13–19, 2025
Together, let us awaken the sleeping stars within. Let us weave a future radiant with unity, harmony, and the boundless wonder of the human spirit.
● Share your vision with DokuBaku IDFF 2025.
The festival will be held between the 13th and 19th of October 2025 at various venues, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The selected films will be announced on 08 August 2025.
Rules
All films should have English subtitles (embedded or SRT)
Program:
● DokuBaku 2025: ● Divine | ● 5DWorld | ● Hypermatrix ●
We invite filmmakers to explore the profound dimensions of existence, where time is more than a measure—it is an ever-unfolding realm of inner discovery.
Within each of us lies an ancient beauty, beyond words, beyond the screen—an essence felt rather than understood. Is now the moment to transcend, to embrace the unseen, the divine, the infinite? A time for love, illumination, and the boundless mysteries of human consciousness.
Let us weave together visions of unity, transformation, and the hypermatrix of existence.
We eagerly await your cinematic journeys—windows into the unseen, echoes of our collective soul.
● The films submitted to the festival must be completed in 2024-2025!
● WE WELCOME WORLD PREMIERES!
● Audience:
DokuBaku is a festival aimed at the general public. DokuBaku's public audiences are ticket buyers or those invited by the festival organizers.
● Guests of the Festival:
DokuBaku IDFF organizers do not undertake the expenses of festival guests and participants in 2025
● General Provisions:
This Regulation was compiled in Azerbaijani and English.
The text in the Azerbaijani language is preferred when there is a contradiction among the texts of the regulations. Participation in DokuBaku involves accepting the terms and conditions unquestionably, that is used in these regulations. Any questions and controversy arising during the preparation and implementation of the festival shall be resolved by the organizer of the festival in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
● IMPORTANT NOTE:
Dear SUBMITTERS,
We want to express our gratitude for your interest in submitting your films to DokuBaku 2025. As we gear up for another exciting festival, we'd like to remind you of some important regulations to ensure a smooth submission process:
● SCREENING FEE NOTICE:
DokuBaku is an independent film festival, and unfortunately, we are unable to provide screening fees to sales agents, independent filmmakers, film productions, producers, etc. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
● Support for the Festival:
Your participation in DokuBaku not only enriches our festival but also supports our mission to celebrate independent cinema. We appreciate your support by submitting your film and refraining from requesting waiver codes.
● Respect for Our Work:
We deeply value the effort and dedication that goes into creating each film. Rest assured, we hold immense respect for your work and are thrilled at the prospect of showcasing it at our festival.
Thank you for your attention to these regulations. We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the art of filmmaking together at DokuBaku 2025.
Love, Light and Peace,
DokuBaku Team
#weareone
Looking forward to seeing you at DokuBaku IDFF2025!
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
|---|
Authorization type
Authorization Letter
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2025-02-28
Submission start time
2025-02-28
Earlybird Deadline
2025-04-30
Regular Deadline
2025-06-30
Extended Deadline
2025-07-07
Late Deadline
2025-07-07
Submission end time
2025-08-08
Finalist notification start time
2025-08-08
Finalist notification end time
2025-10-13
Award ceremony start time
2025-10-19
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees
2025/02/28
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 15 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2025/04/30
Regular Deadline
Standard: 20 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2025/06/30
Extended Deadline
Standard: 35 Dollar
Student： 20 Dollar
2025/07/07
Late Deadline
Standard: 25 Dollar
Student： 15 Dollar
2025/02/28
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 15 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2025/04/30
Regular Deadline
Standard: 20 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2025/06/30
Extended Deadline
Standard: 35 Dollar
Student： 20 Dollar
2025/07/07
Late Deadline
Standard: 25 Dollar
Student： 15 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
View in the applet
Follow us
Follow the following platforms
Facebook
Twitter
WeChat
Official Weibo
Beijing Public Network Security No. 11011202000526
