The first episode of our sixth season of DOK Industry Podcast is out! Four new episodes will be released in the run-up to the festival in autumn. The podcast is produced in collaboration with our long-term partners Programmers of Colour Collective (POC2) and What's Up With Docs Podcast — and brand new on bord: Talking Shorts.

As in our previous seasons, we will continue exploring burning issues in the documentary film industry with a special focus on power structures and lack of representation. The DOK Industry Podcast aims to inspire discussions about equality, solidarity and participation in documentary and animated film. Contributions are intended to question existing power structures and initiate change. Read more in the press release

The Curators

of this year’s DOK Industry Podcast are Toni Bell, Qila Gill, Sanne Jehoul, Weronika Lewandowska, Lucy Mukerjee and Niels Putman.

In the First Episode

Qila Gill, Nihan Sivridag (Selection Committee Berlinale Shorts) and Puiyee Leong (Programme Director of Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film Singapore) discuss the self-understanding of cultural institutions and their own roles as cultural workers in the face of today’s global political climate. How can they offer filmmakers an environment that is both appreciative and respectful? What does community building look like within cultural spaces such as festivals? How can institutions practice hospitality when filmmakers from different cultural backgrounds participate? Gill, Sivridag, and Leong talk about solidarity, art as a political moment, and the need to see one's own role as an enabler of open spaces for art and discourse, rather than a gatekeeper. They also reflect on the creative freedom that lies in the short film format—especially in light of the fact that it meets with little commercial interest.

Further Episodes

of Season 6 will focus on the US organisation “Disability Media Alliance”, which is set to launch in the summer; the political impact of cinematic storytelling; the unique characteristics and production conditions of short films; the responsibility of XR art towards young people; and unconventional distribution models used by filmmakers to reach their audiences — with a special spotlight on the research and networking project UNITED SCREENS.

Tune in to episode 1 – “Short Films, Big Questions”

Babette Dieu has joined our team to organise the DOK Co-Pro Market. Active in the documentary and film festival world since 2016, Babette has worked behind the scenes on various industry events across Europe and has previously collaborated with DOK Leipzig.

Babette coordinated Cannes Docs at the Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes and co-managed the EFM Toolbox programmes at the European Film Market, supporting more inclusive access to the international film scene. They have also collaborated with festivals like Doclisboa in Portugal, FIFF in Belgium and has contributed as a film programmer for different festivals. They are a member of the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE).

Interested in taking part in the DOK Co-Pro Market? The call for projects is still open until 15 July. Read more on how to apply.

We are happy to welcome you as a new member of the team, Babette!

Photo: Marché du Film

Our networking and inspiration programme on interactive and immersive storytelling is ready for your projects in developments as well as your prototypes!

At the two-day DOK Exchange XR Programme we’ll take a bold look at the politics of perception in immersive media and technology. This year we’re eager to explore projects addressing a wide range of themes and innovative approaches in immersive media, games, and AI-driven media.

Apply for XR Showcase

We are looking for projects at all stages of development, that do not have a prototype or do not need to present one. Showcase your work in front of a live audience and get feedback from experts in the fields.

Apply for XR Prototyping Zone

We are looking for XR prototypes that are looking to improve and receive feedback from experts. Present your prototypes and let it be tested on narrative, creative aspects, user experience, as well as exhibition and future distribution strategies. 

Both calls close on 14 August 2025.

Read more and apply now

We are excited to launch the Call for Projects for short form documentary and animated film projects to pitch live at the 9th edition of DOK Short n’ Sweet.

What we are looking for:

• short film projects in all stages from development to complete

• all forms of short documentary, animated documentary and animated film as well as series

• shorts with a strong point of view and creative vision

• lengths of maximum 30’

Projects pitched at Short n’ Sweet have been nominated for prestigious awards such as the European Film Award and premiered at A-List festivals including Festival de Cannes, Berlinale, Locarno Film Festival, IDFA and DOK Leipzig.

The deadline for applications is 14 August 2025.
 

Find out more and begin your application