CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Every fall, documentary filmmakers and enthusiasts flock to this quaint village for the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival. The 16th annual edition runs Oct. 7-12 at several walkable venues, with a streaming version Oct. 13-19.
This year’s lineup features 75 films from 32 countries, spanning subjects both intimate and sweeping — from war zones and underwater adventures to stories about identity, resilience and the environment.
“All of our films are thoughtfully curated to showcase the very best in documentary storytelling,” said festival executive director Morgan Crawford. “From powerful stories to unique perspectives, we’re excited to share a lineup with something for everyone.”
The festival opens with the Northeast Ohio debut of “John Candy: I Like Me,” fresh off its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, directed by Colin Hanks, explores the life of the beloved comedian. The screening will be preceded by a VIP reception featuring a red carpet, wine, and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. Throughout the week, festivalgoers can also look forward to filmmaker appearances, panel discussions, special events and a selection of free community screenings.
With so many films on the schedule — spanning categories from emerging filmmakers and portrait documentaries to international features and local shorts — the choices can be overwhelming. Navigating the festival can feel daunting. So we asked Crawford to share five must-see picks that capture the spirit of this year’s program.
“I Was Born This Way”
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater
Available to stream Oct. 13-19
Directors: Sam Pollard, Daniel Jung
Country of origin: United States
Synopsis: Carl Bean turned his 1977 anthem into a movement that changed lives. This documentary highlights his work founding the Minority AIDS Project and the first LGBTQ church for people of color, blending animation with celebrity appearances to honor his enduring message: love is for everyone.
Note: Screening will be followed by a panel discussion with subject Beatitude-Bishop Jones and Jung.
“The Shadow Scholars”
When: 7:20 p.m. Oct. 9 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater
Director: Eloise King
Country of origin: Kenya
Synopsis: This eye-opening documentary exposes the billion-dollar industry of ghostwritten academic papers, powered by some 40,000 highly educated, underemployed Kenyans. Mercy is one of them — a single mother writing thousands of words a night for students overseas, raising tough questions about privilege, exploitation and the true value of education.
“Champions of the Golden Valley”
When: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater; 2 p.m. Oct 11 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater
Available to stream Oct. 13-19
Director: Ben Sturgulewski
Countries of origin: Afghanistan, Germany, United States
Synopsis: From the Emerging Filmmakers series comes this documentary by Ben Sturgulewski, about Afghanistan’s unlikely skiing culture. Olympic skier Alishah Farhang returns home to find a new generation carving freedom on snowy peaks — sometimes with homemade skis — as the country hosts its first downhill competition.
“Love+War”
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre
Directors: Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Countries of origin: Ukraine, Afghanistan
Synopsis: Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario risks everything to capture the human cost of war, from survivors’ resilience to lives cut short. This film follows her between the frontlines and home, where the pull of family collides with the call to document the next global crisis.
“The Last Dive”
When: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater; 3:15 p.m. Oct. 12 at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater
Available to stream Oct. 13-19
Director: Cody Sheehy
Countries of origin: United States, Mexico
Synopsis: Stunning underwater footage anchors this moving portrait of Terry Kennedy, who formed an unlikely bond with a giant manta ray in the Sea of Cortez. Over decades, their encounters reshaped his outlook on life, and at 80, he embarks on one final search for his old friend.
If You Go
What: Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
When: Oct. 7-12 at walkable venues in Chagrin Falls; CDFF On Demand streaming encore, Oct. 13-19
Where: Screenings and events at CDFF HQ, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, Federated Church, Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater, Chagrin Falls Township Hall, Triangle Park Screen, Chagrin History Center, St. Joan of Arc, Valley Art Center and South Franklin Circle
Tickets: Individual screenings start at $15; opening-night film and VIP reception, $125; festival passes, $100–$200