DOK Leipzig oldest documentary filmfest of world

DOK Leipzig, held every autumn, is unique among festivals worldwide in offering a combination of documentary and animated film. During the week-long festival, we show about 250 short and long films and extended reality (XR) works in Leipzig.

The works that the festival select for its programmer afford insight into familiar and unfamiliar lifestyles, address current political issues and expose social systems and their imbalances. At the same time, the films’ creative styles reflect new trends in documentary and animated film.

Founded in 1955, DOK Leipzig is the oldest documentary film festival in the world. It looks back on more than 65 years of eventful and conflicting history.

During the festival week, DOK Leipzig is present throughout the city. Numerous cinemas and other locations turn into venues for the festival, we even show films in a pop-up cinema at Leipzig's central station every year.

Viewing films together and discussing films together – DOK Leipzig is, more than anything, a platform for dialogue and debate. Q&As with the filmmakers, talks and master classes encourage an exchange about film as an art form and about artistic approaches in dealing with the world we live in. In our discussion forums and film programme, we also deliberately juxtapose opposing standpoints and invite our audience to engage with controversial issues.

The extended reality exhibition DOK Neuland enriches our film programme with a range of immersive works. With the potential of new media such as virtual Reality, augmented Reality or 360° film, these projects question conventional narrative forms and open up new audio-visual experiences for the visitors.

DOK Leipzig is both a public festival and a meeting place for the international documentary film industry. DOK Industry welcomes some 1,600 trade visitors every year and offers them a marketplace for film projects as well as networking opportunities in an environment conducive to productivity. DOK Industry has established a reputation as an inspiring forum for fresh, creative ideas, collaboration and the promotion and distribution of new film projects.

DOK Leipzig is firmly rooted in Leipzig as a city of arts and culture and regularly collaborates with local arts institutions.