A
Film Festival
Built Around
Audiences
Creating opportunities for filmmakers to connect with wider audiences.
November 13, 2026 – January 1, 2027
San Jose, California, USA
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Taking place during San Jose Holiday Lights 2026 in downtown San Jose, California, DOCA Film Festival presents selected works within an outdoor public art environment featuring light sculptures and immersive experiences. The festival is expected to welcome 80,000+ visitors throughout the season, creating opportunities for filmmakers to share their stories with wider audiences beyond traditional film venues.
From narrative films and documentaries to animation, AI-assisted creations, mobile filmmaking, and experimental works, DOCA Film Festival celebrates diverse forms of visual expression and new ways of sharing stories.
Documentary Short Film
Animation Short Film
Music, Dance & Performance Film
Experimental & New Media Film
AI-Assisted Film
Solo Creator Film & Video
Shot on Mobile
Micro Shorts (Under 3 Minutes)
Young Creators
Bay Area Stories
Commercial & Branded Films
- Best Narrative Short Film
- Best Documentary Short Film
- Best Animation Short Film
- Best Experimental & New Media Film
- Best Creative Innovation Award
- Audience Choice Award
Through creativity, art, and collaboration, Doca transforms ideas into experiences that people can see, enter, and share. From immersive festivals and public art installations to cinematic experiences, Doca creates connections between creativity and communities.
Doca Public Art
Transforming public spaces through artistic expression and community participation.
San Jose Holiday Lights
A seasonal immersive light experience bringing together art, technology, and community in San Jose.
DOCA Film Festival
Connecting independent filmmakers with wider audiences through cinema.
Doca Festival
Creating immersive experiences that bring imagination into the real world.