It’s almost DOC NYC season, and when New York’s premiere nonfiction film festival returns this November, an eclectic lineup promises that there will be something for documentary lovers of all stripes to enjoy.
The festival, for which IndieWire serves as a Supporting Media Partner co-presenting the International and U.S. Competition sections, has announced its main slate lineup for the 2025 edition.
The festival will open with the U.S. premiere of “Whistle,” Christopher Nelius’ look into the world of competitive whistling that premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The closing night selection is the New York premiere of Ivy Meerpol’s “Ask E. Jean,” which chronicles the singular life of advice columnist-turned-Donald Trump adversary E. Jean Carroll.
Other notable titles include “If These Walls Could Rock,” a documentary about legendary Los Angeles hotel and rock and roll hangout the Sunset Marquis featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr; and “King Hamlet,” Elvira Lind’s intimate documentary about her husband Oscar Isaac’s preparation to play Hamlet on the New York stage while becoming a father and saying goodbye to his mother.
“In this period of rapid change, DOC NYC is proud to present a collection of films that speak to urgent global, national, and personal matters,” DOC NYC artistic director Jaie Laplante said in a statement. “What binds the filmmakers of this year’s official selection are their illuminations of shared humanity.”
DOC NYC will take place in-person at New York City’s IFC Center, SVA Theater, and Village East by Angelika from November 12-20, with online screenings continuing through November 30. Keep reading for the complete main slate program, with film descriptions provided by the festival.
OPENING NIGHT FILM
WHISTLE (US Premiere)
Director: Christopher Nelius
Producers: Camilla Mazzaferro, Louise Smith, Luke Mazzaferro, Al Hicks, Casey Ventura
Top-rate whistlers gather in Hollywood at the annual Masters of Musical Whistling competition, hoping not just to win but to connect.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
ASK E. JEAN (NYC Premiere)
Director: Ivy Meeropol
Producers: Laura Bickford, Annabelle Dunne, Ivy Meeropol
Writer E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits against Donald Trump reveal the societal hurdles women face in confronting predatory men and their lies.