Indie documentary and music subculture lovers, get ready! Doc’n Roll Films is thrilled to announce the return of the DOC’N ROLL NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL, running from 30 April to 9 May at some of Manhattan and Brooklyn’s favourite movie screens.
Now in its third edition, DOC’N ROLL NEW YORK’s 2025 lineup boasts ONE World, FOUR North American and THREE NYC premieres, in a celebration of the untamed, the legendary and the game-changers in genres from rock to folk to industrial, experimental electronica to visual art.
This year’s genre-hopping programme takes audiences deep into the lives of musical trailblazers: local anti-folk maverick JEFFREY LEWIS, slide guitar innovator ELLEN McILWAINE, jazz-folk icon, Dylan contemporary and civil rights activist BARBARA DANE, cult singer-songwriters DORY PREVIN and JACKSON C. FRANK, reckless Brooklyn rockers THE GIRAFFES, brooding post-industrialists COIL and visionary, music-inspired British painter CHRIS GOLLON.
As these eight acclaimed premiere docs recount these artists’ fascinating stories and immerse you in their worlds, expect additional insights via exclusive post-screening Q&As with documentary directors and other key creatives. And, in a new collaboration with ACE HOTEL, DOC’N ROLL NEW YORK will kick out the jams with a DJ-driven opening night on 30 April at Ace’s New York location with DJ Turbo Virgo, and close out the festivities on 9 May at Ace’s Brooklyn site with DJ Jayda Abello.
Doc’n Roll Programmer COLM FORDE says, “From our London base, we’re bringing an exceptional selection of new arts and music subculture documentaries to Big Apple audiences this year. We began our NYC journey by partnering with Nitehawk in Brooklyn in 2023 and 2024; in 2025, a new collaboration with the Roxy Cinema in Tribeca is a huge step forward. These excellent films deserve to be experienced via these venues’ big screens, full sound and passionate, knowledgeable audiences – and Doc’n Roll couldn’t be prouder to be making it all happen this year with one of our strongest lineups yet.”
Staying true to the DIY ethos on which Doc’n Roll was founded 12 years ago in London, England, DOC’N ROLL NEW YORK’s mission is to bring under-the-radar music documentaries and the rebel spirits they spotlight to one of the world’s great music cities.
This year in NYC, music and documentary film lovers can expect a festival programme that pushes the boundaries of music storytelling, amplifies marginalised voices, and celebrates a dazzlingly diverse range of sounds and scenes.
Tickets for all Manhattan and Brooklyn screenings on sale now
