DOK Leipzig teams up with the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival to launch "Doc Together", a new initiative dedicated to supporting displaced or exiled filmmakers and those working under perilous conditions in their home countries. "Doc Together" aims to explore how these professionals can access funding, resources and industry support in their current locations or in their countries of origin if they are excluded from national funding opportunities or unable to receive support.
The initiative was officially presented yesterday at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival by Nadja Tennstedt (Director of DOK Industry, DOK Leipzig) and Angeliki Vergou (Head of Agora, Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival) together with Talal Afifi (filmmaker, producer and founder of Sudan Film Factory) and producer Thomas Kaske (Seera Films). The event was moderated by Alex Shiriaieff (co-founder of B2B Doc and Chief Executive Producer of Euro Arctic Media Group).
Initiators Angeliki Vergou and Nadja Tennstedt: "Documentary filmmakers often face significant challenges in their home countries, compelling many to relocate for a variety of reasons. Some are persecuted due to their political views or aspects of their identity, including ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, as oppressive regimes or religious establishments impose restrictions on freedom of expression. Others are forced to flee as wars devastate their homelands, while some struggle with the lack of necessary infrastructure to sustain a filmmaking career. At the same time, there are also filmmakers who choose to remain in their countries, navigating hardships while finding ways to continue creating under difficult circumstances. On countless occasions, documentary filmmakers have had to re-establish their careers in foreign countries."
As part of this initiative, the Leipzig and Thessaloniki festivals will host events that foster critical discussions on these issues. These events will also provide a platform for selected filmmakers to present their works and share their stories, ensuring that their voices are heard and their creative endeavors are supported.
With "Doc Together", DOK Leipzig and the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival reaffirm their commitment to fostering inclusivity and resilience in the documentary film industry, advocating for filmmakers whose creative expression is at risk.
