Ola Staszel is set to become the new general manager of DOK Leipzig and managing director of DOK Leipzig from 1 January 2026. A selection committee led by Dr Skadi Jennicke, the city’s mayor for arts and culture, made this recommendation. Leipzig’s mayor, Burkhard Jung, has now confirmed the resulting decision. The city council is expected to vote on the appointment at its meeting on 29 October – fittingly right during the festival week.

Dr Skadi Jennicke says: “In Ola Staszel, the city of Leipzig will gain a general manager for DOK who brings with her a broad artistic vision as well as considerable experience in the documentary film industry and a thoughtful approach to it. Additionally, Ms Staszel is known for focusing on Eastern European topics in her work to date. This will prominently carry forward an emphasis that the DOK Leipzig Film Festival has traditionally had with a view to current social challenges,”

We are delighted with the decision, eagerly await the city council vote and are curious to get to know Ola’s visions for the festival!

By the way: On 30 October, festival director Christoph Terhechte will join Ola Staszel in discussing the past and future of DOK Leipzig at the “Festival Visions” DOK Talk. This event will begin at 11:30 at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig and is open to the public. Admission is free of charge.