MDR is dedicated to the large-scale promotion of documentary film and has been sponsoring the Golden Dove in the International Competition Documentary Film, endowed with 10,000 Euros, since 2013.

3sat has been presenting independent documentary films in its programme and supporting their production since 1993. By granting an award for up-and-coming talents at DOK Leipzig is underlining its engagement for international young directors.

As a cooperation partner and award donor of DOK Leipzig, SLM particularly promotes young filmmakers as well as offers for the development of critical media competence for all age groups. It supports the DOK Masterclasses, the implementation of the XR exhibition DOK Neuland as well as the media literacy activities of DOK Spotters and DOK Education.

Founded in 1993, the DIAF preserves, researches and presents the heritage of German animated film. By sponsoring the Golden Dove Short Film in the International Competition Animated Film, it also honours international trends and innovations in this field.

The DEFA Foundation, in accordance with its statutory motto “Rediscover the Past – Support the Future”, has awarded the DEFA Sponsoring Prize at DOK Leipzig since 2005. The Prize is intended to support up-and-coming filmmakers in the critical investigation of contemporary issues.

Since 1995, the MDR has sponsored the MDR Film Prize for an outstanding Eastern European documentary, endowed with 3,000 Euros. The developments in Eastern Europe are one of the major topics the broadcaster has been following for years.

The Goethe-Institut is the global cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It promotes the study of German abroad and encourages international cultural cooperation. With the Documentary Film Prize, which is awarded on a rotating basis at the most important Documentary Film Festivals in Germany, it grants the winning film audiences all over the world.