DOK Leipzig 2026
Positions
With Positions, we open up a space for exchange, debate and new perspectives. The section takes a look at a world that defies simple answers, at its political and historical faultlines, contradictions and ambivalences. The films invite us to look more closely, to listen and connect different views. They are starting points for discussions in which certainty is given as much space as doubt.
In search of traces of the disappeared of the Spanish Civil War, “Atlas of Disappearance” follows relatives and asks how a suppressed chapter of history is dealt with. “Hope Is a Word” counters the reality of oil extraction in Nigeria with protest through poetry. In “Detention”, we observe aspiring prison guards in France and see how scepticism, under the influence of obedience, gradually becomes routine. “Tricontinental, Letter to Open in Case Of” delves into the story of a socialist movement during the Cold War and asks about the enduring impact of political ideas.
Two-times Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple completes her trilogy about the rights of the working class with “Union Town”. Set between homeland and exile, Israel and the in-between, “Fracture” unfolds a personal visual diary about distance and belonging. “The Masturbator – The Adventures of Edgar Hilsenrath”, a world premiere, approaches the Leipzig writer and Holocaust survivor, born 100 years ago, via animation and archive material.
Even beyond the screen, Positions relies on encounters and dialogue. In cooperation with the Berlin Critics’ Week, two debate formats are being developed that open up and reassess established discussion structures between the audience, filmmakers and critics. In addition, Extended Q&As with filmmakers and experts invite us to follow up on ideas, delve more deeply into the issues and tolerate contradictions.
Ola Staszel
Step outside the usual festival setting with Positions: our new film programme invites you to join in extended discussions following the screenings.
Steilvorlage
Following the screening of „Atlas of Disappearance“ & „This, Too, Will Be Liquid“ on festival Thursday, Berlin Critics’s Week has curated a debate format called "Steilvorlage".
Two films which examine the relation of photographic and computer-generated images to profound political questions: Manuel Correa examines how Spain still deals with the murders of citizens by the Franco regime, while Karolina Malwina Gruschkas examines her personal memories with the climate crisis in mind. The combination of the two films will be the starting point for a debate on perspectives on reality as well as curatorial positions.
Moderator: Dennis Vetter (Berlin Critics’s Week)
Guests:
- Manuel Correa
- Karolina Malwina Gruschka
- Viktoria Leshchenko (DOK Leipzig Selection Committee)
- Melisa Liebenthal (Director „The Face of the Jellyfish“)
Reaktionszeit
Following the screening of „Detention“ on festival Thursday, Berlin Critics’s Week has curated a debate format called "Reaktionszeit".
Guillaume Massart accompanied future prison guards during their professional education and observes with an eye for details how their positions change, even the way they speak, the way they see the world. The team of Berlin Critics’ Week has invited two guests for a debate in which they initially are free to react to the film and disagree with its politics if necessary. Only afterwards the director is invited to reply and join in.
Moderator: Till Kadritzke (Berlin Critics’s Week)
Guests:
- Guillaume Massart
- further guests will be announced shortly
