Montreal International Documentary Festival

Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montreal

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Arts & CultureMontreal
Dates19–29 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration11 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsRIDM's exclusive focus on documentary work
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: CAD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Montreal International Documentary Festival in Montreal

RIDM, the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montreal, is a documentary-only film festival founded in 1998, screening roughly ten days of nonfiction cinema each November at Montreal cinemas such as Cinematheque quebecoise. An industry strand, Doc Circuit Montreal, runs pitching sessions and panels alongside public screenings, and many films are Quebec or Canadian premieres with directors present for discussion afterward.

RIDM, the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montreal, began in 1998 as a modest showcase for nonfiction film and has grown into one of the largest documentary festivals in North America, screening roughly ten days of programming each November across several Montreal cinemas, including Cinematheque quebecoise and Cinema du Parc.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

RIDM's exclusive focus on documentary work, rather than a mixed genre slate, gives it a different rhythm from Montreal's other film festivals: post-screening discussions often run as long as the films themselves, and the audience skews toward viewers specifically seeking nonfiction storytelling

02

The mystery stays covered

The parallel Doc Circuit Montreal industry program gives the festival genuine influence over which documentaries reach broadcasters and distributors, beyond its public screenings

03

The city starts moving

Held in late November, RIDM also functions as a season-defining cultural event for Montrealers rather than a warm-weather draw for out-of-town visitors, giving it a steadier, more local audience than the city's summer festivals

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Post-screening question-and-answer sessions with visiting directors are close to standard at RIDM

Water and renewal

Living ritual

often extending well past the film's runtime for subjects tied to current events

The sacred route

Living ritual

The festival's Doc Circuit Montreal industry days bring producers

The local code

Living ritual

broadcasters and filmmakers together for pitching sessions that run parallel to the public program

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

19–29 November 2026

Getting around

For Montreal International Documentary Festival, plan transport around the exact Montreal venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Late November in Montreal is cold, so dress for winter weather outside, including a warm coat, boots and layers, even though the screenings themselves are indoors and comfortably heated.

Safety

At Montreal International Documentary Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Montreal International Documentary Festival does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

CAD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map45.51 N, 73.57 WOpen in Google Maps

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Nearest airportYUL — Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau
TransportFor Montreal International Documentary Festival, plan transport around the exact Montreal venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Montreal International Documentary Festival does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Montreal via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Montreal, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearLate November in Montreal is cold, so dress for winter weather outside, including a warm coat, boots and layers, even though the screenings themselves are indoors and comfortably heated.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Canada and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Montreal International Documentary Festival?

Montreal International Documentary Festival is listed for 19–29 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Montreal International Documentary Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Montreal, Canada. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

11 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmontrealinternationalfilmfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates19–29 November 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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