The Thin Line is the space between two seemingly contrary and competing ideas; it's where you find the drama. This is where the real work is done to explore, to understand, and to bridge. These ideas guide our programming, instruct our planning, and strengthen our relationships. Come experience Thin Line Fest.

Thin Line Fest is a documentary film festival, a music festival, and a photography festival held each year at the end of April in Denton, Texas. The festival is 100% walkable in the historic and lively downtown area of this dual university town just north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Thin Line Fest is an all-volunteer event and all programming is free to attend. Register online and check-in on site to pick up your festival badge. Then you are free to explore!

Thin Line Film is the longest running documentary film festival in Texas, started in 2007. We love documentaries because real life is more interesting than fiction! Generally, we believe that documentaries should communicate the Truth. However, we love watching documentaries when we can't tell if it's real or not! Each year we premiere dozens of documentaries in the historic Campus Theatre in downtown Denton.

‍Thin Line Music is the soundtrack of the festival. It's the perfect mix of styles from national and regional acts on small and intimate stages. An exciting and eclectic mix fills the downtown air while ensuring each night ends with a party.

‍Thin Line Photo fills the gaps with the silent exploration of truth, communicated through the photographer's lens. Hundreds of photographs are displayed across downtown galleries and online.

We've combined the best of modern media to create an engaging, multi-layered experience that appeals to all. Join us.
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Best Feature Documentary - Best Short Documentary (Award Value: $15,000, $5,000) : Feature winner will receive a $15,000 credit with Panavision. Short winner will receive a $5,000 credit with Panavision. Sponsor: Panavision

Emerging Non-Fiction Filmmaker (Award Value: $5,000): This award will go to the documentary filmmaker that shows the most promise for a successful career. Typically this would be a first-time feature filmmaker but it could also be a filmmaker that has a larger body of short film work. Sponsor: Panavision

Best Cinematic Vision (Award Value: $5,000): This award will go to the documentary film that uses the full capabilities of modern tools and techniques to deliver a cinematic experience. Sponsor: Panavision

Best Sound Design in a Feature Documentary (Award Value: $3,000): This award will go to the feature documentary film that demonstrates an elevated sound design that complements the narrative and creates a multi-layered aural experience. Sponsor: Atomica Music

Best Sound Design in a Short Documentary (Award Value: $2,000):  This award will go to the short documentary film that demonstrates an elevated sound design that complements the narrative and creates a multi-layered aural experience. Sponsor: Atomica Music

Best “Sound on Screen” (Award Value: $3,000): This award will go to the documentary film that is able to best visually 'match' the sound design with the elements on screen. Sponsor: Atomic Music

Best Student Documentary (Award Value: $1,000):  This award will go to the best all-around documentary created by a student filmmaker. Sponsor: Atomica Music

Best Music Video (Award Value: $1,000): This award will go to the best overall music video. Sponsor: Atomica Music