It takes a village to bring a documentary festival to life, and this weekend’s Castlemaine Documentary Festival 2025 (July 4-6) is no exception!
At the heart of the festival is a small but mighty team including festival director and curator extraordinaire Claire Jager, communications manager Beth Knights, community engagement coordinator Alex Riches, and partnerships and sponsorships manager Blake Curtis.
Of course, there’s a whole crew of contractors and volunteers who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Big thanks to Elizabeth Geddes, Leonie Van Eyk, Carla Alderuccio, Anna Williams, and Bergen O’Brien, who always go the extra mile.
This year, CDoc are also lucky to have three Monash University interns — Lizzie, Will, and Alisha — whose energy, creativity, and positive vibes have been a game-changer for our regional gem.
And, at the wheel, is the fantastic CDoc board, keeping the festival grounded and focused on what matters: celebrating real-life stories through world-class nonfiction cinema.
As a not-for-profit, community-driven arts organisation, the CDoc team couldn’t bring the 11th instalment of this wonderful festival to life without the
incredible support of their sponsors and partners. From film licences to live scores and Q&As, your generosity makes everything possible and helps CDoc ensure that artists, audiences, and local businesses all benefit from the magic of documentary film.
This year’s theme is ‘Truth. You couldn’t make this stuff up’ and will see 10 incredible films showcased across the three-day event.
Saturday afternoon’s sold out ‘LOCALS’ screening will also once again be an unforgettable celebration of local storytelling. The 12 short films to feature will include:
The Elusive Heart Rock – Trace Balla
A poetic meditation on rocks, friendship, and Djaara Country.
Jolly Nice – Bergen O’Brien
An old woman with dementia and a house full of uni students. What could go wrong?
Sober – Ella Williams
A raw, personal journey through addiction, nightlife, and recovery.
Commuter – Elissa Sandgrove
A sensory loop between country and city, movement and meaning.
My Generation Rising From The Ashes – Ben Dubuc-Timson
A hopeful plea from one generation to protect the next.
Lollipops – Hannah Moon
Meet Jeremy: school crossing supervisor, local legend, and unlikely star.
For George – Martine Murray
A tribute to a humble grocer and the market that matters.
YIMBY: The Soil of Life – Cath South & Lucy Young
Compost, community, and connection — one bin at a time.
Dropping the Feed Dog – Sam Downing
Textiles, community, and radio waves — stitched together.
A Shared Coop – Sam Loy
Chickens. Disability support. Life lessons.
Constructing Change – Alex Riches
Meet the tradespeople breaking barriers and building futures.
Through Fading Light – Jim Elson
A son rediscovers the artist his mother once was, through her fading memories.
If you missed out on a ticket to LOCALS do not despair. There will be an encore screening in a few weeks time! Watch this space for more details.
In the meantime, there are still tickets left for the other 10 wonderful CDoc films and two signature live gigs taking place at the Royal tonight and tomorrow.
For the full festival program or to secure your Festival Pass, Friday Double Pass or Day Pass visit cdocff.com.au
