DOK Leipzig opened on Monday, 27 October, at Leipzig’s CineStar cinema with a screening of Claire Simon’s documentary “Writing Life: Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students”. A further highlight of the event was the screening of Matea Radic’s short film “Paradaïz”, in which she revisits her childhood during the war in Bosnia.
At the opening of this, the last edition of the festival under his direction, festival director Christoph Terhechte emphasised the value of culture and film festivals: “Culture is at risk. It is threatened by dwindling resources, by political influence, by self-censorship, and, last but not least, by indifference. So we decided to open our 68th festival with a film about the potential and the value of culture. Over the next few days, numerous filmmakers will be here in Leipzig to show the world or international premieres of their works. They have spent years developing their animated and documentary films, and they are eagerly anticipating the moment when they can share them with a large audience for the first time. This audience consists of fans of the festival, but also numerous film enthuasiasts, guests and industry representatives, some of whom travel from far away. At DOK Industry, they present their projects in development and find financing and co-production partners. We are proud that, as a festival, we can play our part in ensuring that powerful, socially and politically relevant films that promote a democratic mindset find their way to audiences worldwide.“
Dr Skadi Jennicke, the deputy mayor of the City of Leipzig tasked with arts and culture, also spoke at the opening. Aline Fiedler, commissioner for the arts at the Saxon Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK), then presented the Saxon Award for the Best Documentary Project by a Female Director, worth 5,000 euros, to Ana Vijdea for her project titled “nava mamă”. It portrays a transgender teenager in Romania who was victimised and abused while grew up. Returning to his village, he seeks comfort in the company of familiar people, animals and landscapes.
The jury members Tijana Djukic, Vera Herchenbach and Malin Hüber were impressed by the project’s social relevance, artistic quality, authenticity and sensitivity: “A courageous exploration of intergenerational trauma, this project confronts violence, abuse, and what remains in their wake with a poetic, multilayered approach and deep humanity. Its emotional honesty resonates, making it a profoundly moving experience.” Projects by female directors selected for the DOK Co-Pro Market were eligible for this award, sponsored by the SMWK.
The opening event concluded with a screening of “Writing Life: Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students”, followed by a discussion with director Claire Simon. In her film, French teenagers study the work of renowned author and Nobel Prize-winner Annie Ernaux in school.
Until Sunday, 2 November, DOK Leipzig will be presenting a total of 252 films and XR experiences from 55 countries. DOK Leipzig will offer repeat screenings of some of the films with free admission in the East Hall of Leipzig Central Station and at the Polish Institute. The Golden and Silver Doves will be awarded on Saturday evening. Prior to this, numerous partnership awards will be awarded in an initial award ceremony in the afternoon.
Every day during the week of the festival, from 28 October to 2 November, DOK Stream will have films available to watch online from anywhere within Germany.
