The SCAD Savannah Film Festival, collaborating with The Hollywood Reporter, has revealed the distinguished selection for its 13th annual 'Docs to Watch' panel. This year’s compilation showcases ten remarkable documentaries from 2026, bringing together their visionary directors for an exclusive discussion. This panel serves as a pivotal platform for nonfiction films vying for Oscar consideration.

Featured in this year's prestigious lineup are an array of thought-provoking films. These include Poh Si Teng’s 'American Doctor', Ron Howard’s 'Avedon', Alysa Nahmias’s 'Cookie Queens', and Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s 'Everest: The Other Side'. Also recognized are Amir Bar-Lev’s 'The Last First: Winter K2', Julia Loktev’s 'My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile', William Greaves and David Greaves’s 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', Itab Azzam & Jack MacInnes’s 'One in a Million', Rory Kennedy’s 'The Trial of Alec Baldwin', and Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s 'You Can See Everything'. These films delve into diverse subjects, from a journalist's independent financing of a film about physicians in Gaza to a chronicle of a Syrian girl's flight to Europe, and exclusive insights into Alec Baldwin's legal proceedings.

Historically, the 'Docs to Watch' panel has been a strong indicator of future Oscar success, with many past selections going on to receive nominations and wins. This year's panel, moderated by Scott Feinberg, will be held at the Lucas Theatre, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the filmmakers. Christina Routhier, Senior Executive Director of SCAD Theaters and Festivals, emphasized the diverse and unexpected journeys these films offer, providing students and audiences alike a chance to experience the work, meet the creators, and participate in enriching conversations. The 29th SCAD Savannah Film Festival, running from October 24-31, continues its tradition as the largest university-managed film festival globally, attracting an audience of approximately 75,000 to its screenings, discussions, and workshops.

This annual festival celebrates the power of storytelling through documentary filmmaking, highlighting narratives that both entertain and enlighten. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us and inspires conversations that transcend the screen. It underscores the profound impact of cinema as a medium for social commentary and human connection.