True False Film Fest

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Arts & CultureColumbia
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
DurationWinterEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsWhat sets True/False apart from other
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

True False Film Fest in Columbia

True/False Film Fest is an annual nonfiction film festival held over a long weekend in early March in downtown Columbia, Missouri. Founded in 2004 by Paul Sturtz and David Wilson, founders of Ragtag Cinema, it screens documentaries alongside live music and art installations at venues including the Missouri Theatre, Jesse Hall, and the Blue Note.

True/False Film Fest began in February 2004, when Paul Sturtz and David Wilson, who had already founded the independent Ragtag Cinema in Columbia, Missouri, decided the college town needed a showcase for nonfiction film that treated documentary as a full artistic form rather than an educational afterthought.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What sets True/False apart from other documentary festivals is its refusal to treat nonfiction film as a niche interest

02

The mystery stays covered

Live musicians called buskers perform in theater lobbies and on downtown corners between screenings, blurring the line between a film festival and a music festival

03

The city starts moving

The event opens with the March March, a costumed parade anyone can join, and closes with Buskers Last Stand, where the weekend's musicians share one final stage

04

The water draws everyone in

Filmmakers and audiences mix informally throughout downtown rather than being confined to an industry-only circuit, and the True Life Fund channels donations directly to a documentary subject each year

05

The old stones answer

The festival also runs Camp True/False, a free program that brings high schoolers from Columbia and beyond into the festival as informed participants rather than spectators

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The March March parade opens the festival with costumed attendees

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and filmmakers walking together through downtown

The sacred route

Living ritual

Buskers Last Stand closes it with a communal final performance by the weekend's musicians

The local code

Living ritual

and the True Life Fund tradition sends festival donations directly to the subject of a selected documentary

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

For True False Film Fest, plan transport around the exact Columbia venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual layered clothing suited to early-March Missouri weather, which swings between cold mornings and milder afternoons; comfortable shoes for walking between downtown venues matter more...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For True False Film Fest, stay near the part of Columbia you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.00 N, 81.03 WOpen in Google Maps

Columbia, MO

Nearest airportCLT — Charlotte Douglas
TransportFor True False Film Fest, plan transport around the exact Columbia venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor True False Film Fest, stay near the part of Columbia you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

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 Columbia via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Columbia, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearCasual layered clothing suited to early-March Missouri weather, which swings between cold mornings and milder afternoons; comfortable shoes for walking between downtown venues matter more than fashion.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States 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 True False Film Fest?

True False Film Fest is listed for February · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does True False Film Fest take place?

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

How long should I plan for?

Winter 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?

Columbia, MO

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 URLtruefalse.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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