As the leaves turn golden and a crisp breeze fills the air, Leipzig is gearing up for one of its most anticipated cultural events of the year. From October 28 to November 3, 2024, the city will host the 67th International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film, affectionately known as DOK Leipzig. With about a week to go, it’s time to dive into what this year’s festival has to offer.
DOK Leipzig 2024 promises a rich array of stories, art, and innovation, featuring 209 films and XR works from 55 countries. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone. This year’s festival is particularly focused on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that as many people as possible can partake in the cinematic magic.
DOK Leipzig 2024 Cinematic Highlights
Opening Film: “Tracing Light”
The festival kicks off on October 28 with the world premiere of “Tracing Light” by acclaimed director Thomas Riedelsheimer. Returning to open DOK Leipzig two decades after his film “Touch the Sound” did in 2004, Riedelsheimer invites audiences on a mesmerizing exploration of light. Scientists and artists from around the globe delve into the enigmatic phenomenon, from “firestacks” to quantum theory, challenging our perceptions and illuminating the ways we perceive the world.
Screening Times for “Tracing Light”:
- October 28: Opening Night (invitation only)
- Additional screenings: Check out the festival schedule for details on the film and three more opportunities to see it at the festival, all open to the general public: October 29 and 31 and November 2.
DOK Leipzig 2024 Competitions Showcasing Global Talent
This year, 73 films, including 33 world premieres, compete for the prestigious Golden and Silver Doves across four categories.
International Competition Documentary Film
Eight feature-length films tackle pressing global issues. We plan to watch:
- “Flowers of Ukraine” by Adelina Borets: A poignant portrait of a woman tending her garden in war-torn Kyiv. More details and showtimes
- “Morichales” by Chris Gude: An exploration of gold mining in Venezuela. More details and showtimes
- “Twice into Oblivion” by Pierre Michel Jean: A haunting examination of the 1937 mass murder of Haitians in the Dominican Republic. More details and showtimes
International Competition Animated Film
Five standout feature-length animations push the boundaries of storytelling. We plan to watch:
- “Pelikan Blue” by László Csáki: The true story of friends forging train tickets post-communism in Hungary. More details and showtimes
- “Ghost Cat Anzu” by Yôko Kuno and Nobuhiro Yamashita: A fantastical tale of friendship and adventure. More details and showtimes
German Competition Documentary Film
Featuring nine world premieres that delve into societal and political landscapes. We plan to watch (besides the already mentioned “Tracing Light”):
- “Im Prinzip Familie” by Daniel Abma: An intimate look at young people in social care. More details and showtimes
- “Truth or Dare” by Maja Classen: A candid exploration of sex-positive interactions. More details and showtimes
Audience Competition
Empowering viewers, a five-member jury from Leipzig will award the Golden Dove to one of 10 feature-length documentaries. We plan to watch:
- “Wishing on a Star” by Peter Kerekes: A window into the fascinating daily life and work of an Italian astrologer. More details and showtimes
- “Blueberry Dreams” by Elene Mikaberidze: A family’s struggle and new start farming in the Georgian mountains. More details and showtimes
All Screening Times and Locations: For more films and detailed schedules for showings at movie theaters across Leipzig, check out the delightfully navigable DOK Leipzig 2024 Program online.
DOK Leipzig 2024 Retrospective: “Third Ways in a Divided World”
This year’s retrospective, “Third Ways in a Divided World,” revisits films from the Cold War era that defied the East-West dichotomy. Curated by Sylvia Görke, the program features works by Jean Rouch, Peter Voigt, Dušan Makavejev, and Volker “Via” Lewandowsky. Diverse films from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s will be presented. It’s an opportunity to reflect on alternative perspectives and the relevance of these narratives today. Complete list of this year’s “Retrospective” films
Screening Dates:
- October 29 to November 2: Various times and venues. Check out the festival schedule for specific details.
DOK Neuland: Exploring Change Through Immersive Art
One of the festival’s standout offerings in recent years has been the immersive and mind-expanding DOK Neuland. Running from October 29 to November 3 this year, DOK Neuland presents eleven cutting-edge works in VR, AR, 360° film, gaming, and participatory film. Curated by artist and filmmaker Dana Melaver, this year’s theme, “Fluxusopolis,” invites visitors to explore constantly evolving realities that challenge our perceptions of art and the world around us.
Spread across four locations—the Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK), Leipzig Main Station, Galerie KUB, and Cinémathèque Leipzig—the exhibition is free of charge. Highlights include interactive pieces like “AR Character Run” (BARBAR), which becomes a collaborative film through visitor participation, and “Reconstruction Home” (Antonia Nestler) where a war-destroyed house is reanimated using augmented reality and personal memories.
DOK Neuland offers a unique opportunity to dive into transformative experiences that not only reflect our changing world but also encourage active participation in shaping it. Don’t miss this chance to engage with art that challenges, inspires, and transcends traditional boundaries. DOK Neuland page
Free and Accessible Offerings
Great Cinema for Free
No ticket? No problem! DOK Leipzig is hosting a series of free screenings throughout the festival week.
Pop-Up Cinema at Leipzig Main Station
From Monday, October 28, to Saturday, November 2, the Osthalle at Leipzig’s main station (Hbf) becomes a pop-up cinema. Each evening at 7:30 PM (Monday at 8:30 PM), enjoy films free of charge.
- Opening session, October 28: “Simply Divine” by Mélody Boulissière and Bogdan Stamatin, and “Flowers of Ukraine” by Adelina Borets.
- All other dates and times: Check out the complete Hbf schedule.
Insider tip: Arrive early with a blanket and a warm drink to secure a good spot.
Screenings at Polnisches Institut
From October 29 to November 2, the Polnisches Institut on Marktplatz hosts free film highlights. A special cinematic celebration will be held on November 2 with “5×5 Shorts from the East”—a hop-on, hop-off event showcasing 25 short documentaries and animated films from around Eastern Europe. Drop in anytime! More event details and the complete list of films being shown there
Masterclasses Open to All
Held in the cozy seats of CineStar, these sessions are open to anyone interested in learning about filmmaking:
- October 31: Masterclass with Dominique Cabrera. Details
- November 1: Masterclass with Isabel Herguera. Details
DOK Stream: Bringing the Festival to Your Home
Can’t make it to the cinemas? DOK Leipzig offers DOK Stream, showcasing selected films online throughout Germany during the festival week. Overview of films to be streamed
Online Screening Schedule:
- October 29: “Flowers of Ukraine” by Adelina Borets
- October 30: “Balomania” by Sissel Morell Dargis (on the underground hot-air balloon culture in Brazilian favelas)
- October 31: “Barbara Morgenstern—Doing It for Love” by Sabine Herpich (on the conception and birth of an electronic intimate pop album by the artist)
- November 1: “Blueberry Dreams” by Elene Mikaberidze
- November 2: “Pelikan Blue” by László Csáki
- November 3: Compilation of six short films
Access Details:
- Availability: Each film is available from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on its respective day.
- Where: Via an embedded player on the respective films’ pages at dok-leipzig.de.
- Tickets: Online sales start on October 25. Each screening is €5.
DOK Leipzig for Young Audiences
DOK Leipzig extends a warm welcome to younger film enthusiasts with special programs tailored for children and teenagers. The Kids DOK and Young Eyes sections feature international animated and documentary films selected to engage and inspire young viewers. These films offer unique storytelling styles that encourage thinking beyond conventional narratives.
For those interested in delving deeper, DOK Education provides schoolchildren and teachers with resources to enhance media literacy and explore filmmaking as an art form.
For more details on offerings for young audiences, visit the corresponding DOK Leipzig webpage.
Accessibility and Inclusivity at DOK Leipzig 2024
DOK Leipzig is committed to ensuring the festival is accessible to all:
- Barrier-Free Venues: All but two cinemas offer barrier-free access.
- Trigger Warnings: Films with sensitive content or strobe effects are marked on the website.
- Wheelchair Access: Tickets for wheelchair spaces (with or without accompaniment) are available online.
For Detailed Information:
- Visit the DOK Leipzig Accessibility page.
DOK Industry Program
For industry professionals with accreditation, the DOK Industry Program offers:
- Dates: October 28 to November 3
- Events: Pitches, showcases, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
- Program Details: Available on the DOK Industry Calendar.
DOK Leipzig 2024 Cinema Tickets
Tickets for cinema showtimes for the overall program are on sale! You can now fully plan your festival experience, to make the most out of it, and make sure you get a seat to your picks.
- Single Tickets: €10 (reduced €8)
- Week Pass: €75 (reduced €45) for unlimited access
How to Purchase:
- Online: Through the festival’s integrated ticket shop throughout the DOK Leipzig Program (on each specific film page).
- Physical Box Offices: Available from October 25 at MdbK and from October 29 at various festival venues.
- More details: DOK Leipzig Tickets Page
Highlight: Purchasing a Week Pass (“Season Ticket”) now allows you to start planning your personalized festival schedule in advance. “Season Ticket” page
We’ll hopefully see you at DOK Leipzig 2024! Watch this space for tidbits from the festival.
For more information, visit the official DOK Leipzig website at dok-leipzig.de.
