RIDM 2025: A Bold and Insightful 28th Edition
From November 20 to 30, 2025, the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) returns for its 28th edition, promising an exciting and thought-provoking celebration of documentary cinema. Over eleven days, RIDM will feature a dynamic mix of established filmmakers and fresh voices, offering audiences a compelling lineup of screenings, panel discussions, and immersive experiences. True to its roots, the festival continues to champion the documentary form as a powerful instrument for reflection and societal change.
A Deeply Engaging Journey Through Documentary
RIDM is more than a film festival—it’s a platform for critical thinking and creative reinvention. Each film invites viewers to rethink the world around them while exploring the evolving language of cinema. This year’s program embraces bold storytelling and diverse perspectives, pushing the boundaries of documentary and inspiring audiences to see reality through a transformative lens.
Special Programs and Cultural Highlights
RIDM 2025 elevates the festival experience through carefully curated sections and thematic spotlights. Among the standout offerings this year:
- Focus Taiwan: Beyond the Frame – A unique look into Taiwan’s innovative cinematic landscape, presenting films that reflect the country’s rich culture and storytelling tradition.
- Louise Bourque Retrospective: Tracing Memory through Experimentation – A homage to the acclaimed Acadian filmmaker, this program examines her experimental work exploring personal memory, archives, and perception.
- O Grivo Retrospective: Crafting Sonic Landscapes – An immersive tribute to the Brazilian duo known for redefining sound in cinema, featuring audiovisual installations, live performances, and experimental compositions.
Festival Hub at La Cinémathèque Québécoise
Beyond the screen, RIDM 2025 brings the city to life with live music, festive nights, and vibrant cultural gatherings. This year’s events include performances by Bibi Club and Pypy, well-known acts from Montreal’s indie music scene. The central meeting point—the festival hub at La Cinémathèque québécoise—opens daily at 5 PM, offering a space to connect with filmmakers, artists, and fellow documentary lovers.
Documentary as a Catalyst for Conversation
RIDM stands as an incubator for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange. Its 28th edition continues the tradition of sparking meaningful conversations between films and their audiences. By confronting pressing social issues and elevating diverse voices, the festival underscores documentary’s enduring role in helping us understand—and reshape—the world we live in.