Adam Sekuler Joins Pickford Film Center as Doctober Programmer, Leading the 19th Annual Documentary Festival

Adam Sekuler, a filmmaker, educator, and longtime Pacific Northwest programmer, brings nearly twenty years of documentary experience to the region’s largest documentary film festival.

Pickford Film Center welcomes Adam Sekuler as the Doctober Programmer for the 2026 edition, marking the 19th year of the Pacific Northwest’s largest documentary film festival. Doctober will take place from October 1–25 at 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, WA, with encore screenings scheduled for October 26–29. The complete lineup will be revealed in early September.

Sekuler has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, serving for many years as Program Director at Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum as well as being active in the filmmaking community. Now teaching Journalism and Media Production at the University of Michigan–Dearborn, Sekuler’s documentaries explore intimacy, representation, and relationships between filmmakers and subjects.

 "Adam and I were colleagues for several years at Northwest Film Forum in Seattle. His energy, curiosity, and fearlessness led him to create situations and opportunities at that small cinematheque that were phenomenal. I have watched his career for over 20 years as he has actively made films, taught, and developed programs. Adam has the stamina, perspective, friendships, and connections to deliver a great Doctober in 2026."

— Susie Purves, Executive Director, Pickford Film Center

Sekuler sees programming as sparking conversation rather than simply assembling films. He aims to present observational, formally adventurous, intimate, and political documentaries—and to include filmmakers whenever possible.

"A festival should feel like a conversation rather than simply a lineup of films. Each film is compelling on its own, but the real energy comes from the relationships between them. I want Doctober to feel like a place where documentary is alive — where people come not just to watch films, but to think together about the worlds those films open up."

— Adam Sekuler, Doctober Programmer

Sekuler cites his long connection to the Pacific Northwest as central to the role’s appeal. “The Northwest has such a strong tradition of adventurous programming and curious viewers,” he said. “It’s a city with a real appetite for art and conversation, which makes it an exciting place for documentary.”

Doctober presents around 35 films each October, partnering with local organizations to highlight key issues. The festival often features special guests, filmmaker Q&As, receptions, and group discussions for deeper engagement.

"Bellingham loves real-world storytelling and has wholly embraced Doctober. Thousands find it an annual way to check in with friends and neighbors while checking out the latest dispatches from the outside world, the inside world, and the world of little-known facts."

— Susie Purves, Executive Director, Pickford Film Center

Tickets go on sale to Pickford members in mid-September, with general tickets following. The full program will be announced at pickfordfilmcenter.org/doctober in early September 2026.

About Pickford Film Center

Pickford Film Center, a nonprofit organization, provides a forum and resource for independent cinema, strengthening community through education, dialogue, and the celebration of film. Since its founding in 1998, it has been the only independent cinema operating 365 days a year between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

About Doctober

Now in its 19th year, Doctober is a month-long documentary film festival dedicated to one of Bellingham's proven favorite genres. Screening approximately 35 films each October, Doctober partners with local organizations to bring important stories to the screen, featuring special guests, filmmaker appearances, receptions, and community discussions.

Festival dates: October 1–25, 2026   |   Encore screenings: October 26–29, 2026   |   Location: 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, WA