It seems it’s that time of the year again — Columbia’s annual True/False Film Fest returns March 3 through 6. Hosted by the Ragtag Film Society, the True/False Film Fest is a long weekend festival showcasing over 50 documentaries (features and shorts) as well as hosting numerous events and live concerts. Spanning four days and stretching to about a dozen venues in Columbia, this enchanting festival is an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.

If you have never attended the True/False Film Fest, this may seem overwhelming, but you can put your mind at ease. The festival hopes to create an environment to support “creative placemaking,” supporting local talent and engaging local audiences.

The five venues showcasing films are the Missouri Theatre, the Picturehouse, the Rhynsburger Theatre, Showtime Theater at The Blue Note and Ragtag Cinema. There are also six music venues and four event venues. For the entire list, click here.

Passes are available via the True/False website. You can either buy a pass, which is a laminated badge that allows festival access based on your chosen level of pass, or you can buy tickets for individual films for $15 each. If you buy a pass, you can reserve tickets for ticketed screenings, concerts or events in advance, as well as access to other exclusive events or merchandise. The “Stay Up Late” package is a popular, cheap option at $50 that allows you to get a taste of a bit of everything, as it offers admission to all festival concerts and films beginning after 9 p.m. (with space available).

If you plan to attend, keep safety guidelines in mind as True/False has made masks and proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test required for every person. Despite your vaccination status, masks will be required for everyone working and attending — for outdoor events, they are not required but strongly encouraged. Additionally, the number of passes available for purchase and seats available per venue have been reduced, including party and event spaces, to best maintain safety in the Columbia community. Food and drink will not be served at the venues, aside from the first floor of the Showtime Theater at The Blue Note. 

The festival, as well as the city itself, hopes to make transportation to the activities as easy as possible. There is no general event parking available at Stephens Lake Park, but there are numerous parking garages within walking distance of the venues. Meters are free before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m., and all day Sunday, though garages are your best bet for long-term, affordable parking. 

Shuttles will run downtown to the park through the duration of the Fest weekend. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off points downtown include Rose Music Park (1013 Park Ave.), North Fifth St. & East Walnut St. Parking Garage, Cherry & Eighth and Ragtag Cinema (10 Hitt St.). Shuttle pick-up and drop-off points at the park are the Old 63 Parking Lot and Riechmann Pavilion. 

For transportation, the festival allows great access for walking and biking. The furthest stops in the T/F footprint — CoMo Square to Twelve Point — are about a 15-minute walk apart.

This is a special weekend for the city of Columbia. The True/False Film Fest is a stunning showcase of documentary cinema, as well as a truly immersive arts experience that looks to excite and engage the community. With these navigation tools in mind, don’t miss out on one of the most magical journeys Columbia has to offer.

Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com