The BooneDocs Film Festival, celebrating outdoor life in Appalachia, will take place February 27-28, 2026, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country in Boone. The festival aims to connect viewers with nature through films highlighting the beauty and challenges of the Appalachian region, including environmental issues and adventure narratives.
What to Expect
The festival will showcase short documentaries focused on Appalachian people, landscapes, and environmental concerns. Topics include the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The event includes filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and awards for Judges' Choice, Student Filmmaker, and a People's Choice award voted on by the audience.
Schedule
Friday, February 27, 2026, will feature a free student filmmaker workshop from 1-3 PM, followed by a 6 PM screening of *"A Beast Touches the Mountain: Mountain Valley Pipeline and the fight for Appalachia"* by James Mottern, with a Q&A afterward. Saturday, February 28, 2026, includes the “After Helene” block (11 AM-1 PM) focusing on the hurricane's impact, the “Emerging Filmmakers” block (2-4 PM) showcasing student films, and the “Celebration of Appalachia” (6:30-8:30 PM) with juried blocks of Appalachian stories. Q&A sessions will follow the film blocks.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the "Celebration of Appalachia" block are $12. Tickets can be purchased via AppTheatre.org or the box office at 828-865-3000 ext. 1. Other events, including the "After Helene" and "Emerging Filmmakers" blocks, are free. Doors open 30 minutes before free events. Parking is available via metered street parking and lots, with free parking after 5 PM and on Sundays. Appalachian State University lots are free evenings and weekends during non-event times. The venue offers ADA accommodations; contact the box office for assistance.
Background
Now in its 5th year, the BooneDocs Film Festival draws submissions from filmmakers. Sponsors include Friends of the Blue Ridge and High Country Humanities. The festival aims to foster economic and cultural ties to the Blue Ridge region. The festival can be contacted at (828) 865-3000.