On May 10, DOK.fest München will present the new All-Inclusive Award which will honour documentary film productions in which filmmakers with disabilities play a leading role. The first winner is announced as Patrice: The Movie, by US director Ted Passon, which will have its German premiere May 10 at DOK.fest Munich. The prize is valued at 5,000 euros and is donated by the Werksviertel-Mitte Stiftung München.
Daniel Sponsel and Adele Kohout (Festival Directors) jointly comment: “Practised diversity is still not a standard – this also applies to the documentary film industry. The award focuses on the creative, competent, and professional contributions and perspectives of filmmakers with disabilities – behind the camera, in directing, editing, and production. The award thus sends out a powerful signal for more participation, visibility, and diversity in the film industry.”
Patrice: The Movie tells the story of Patrice and her partner Garry. They want to get married. But as a couple with disabilities, they are at risk of having their state benefits cancelled. Supported by friends, they face up to the unfair law and other challenges. A life-affirming film about love, equality, and breaking down social barriers.
INDUSTRY TRAINING TALKS 2025
Embracing the theme of “Beyond the Frame: New possibilities in non-fiction formats, funding & distribution”, the festival’s Industry Training Talks (May 9-10) will explore the latest challenges and innovations in documentary filmmaking. “With funding models under strain, new formats emerging, and audience engagement becoming increasingly complex, the documentary sector faces critical questions,” organisers write. “The rise of digital distribution is reshaping traditional revenue streams, while social media and alternative channels offer new opportunities for storytelling and audience connection. Through panels, lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions, the Industry Training Talks will dive into new strategies for financing, storytelling, distribution and audience building – bringing together leading experts to share insights and practical approaches.”
The Industry Training Talks 2025 are curated by Paul Rieth, and presented in partnership with Documentary Campus, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) and Creative Europe Desk München. More information to follow.
THE PROJECT SELECTION OF MASTER’S PITCH 2025
DOK.forum Marketplace announces the seven outstanding projects selected for this year’s Master’s Pitch at the DOK.forum:
- WOMEN & WAR by Elwira Niewiera and Piotr Rosolowski, producers: Hans Robert Eisenhauer, Maciej Kubicki
- DOUBLE SELF PORTRAIT by Aistė Stonytė, producers: Giedrė Žickytė, Uldis Cekulis
- BANGKOK NOX by Christian Wittmoser, producer: Moritz Bundschuh
- THE WHITE DOCTOR by Zippy Kimundu, producers: Ciaran Cassidy, Zippy Kimundu
- SACRED SONGS by Nona Giunashvili, producer: Mariam Bitsadze
- THE ANGEL MAKER by Marina Klauser, producers: Danielle Giuliani, Stefan Jäger, Marisa Meier
- THE IRAQI WARRIORS by Karrar Al-Azzawi, producer: Jørgen Lorentzen
The Master’s Pitch 2025 is chaired and moderated by documentary consultant Gitte Hansen, and presented in partnership with Documentary Campus and Creative Europe.
FOCUS REGION: THE BALTICS
This year’s focus region of DOK.forum Marketplace is the Baltics. Six strong voices from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will be presented in Munich:
- DOUBLE SELF PORTRAIT by Aistė Stonytė, producers: Giedrė Žickytė, Uldis Cekulis (Master’s Pitch)
- BOUND TOGETHER by Rūta Znotina, producer: Dãrta Krãsone (Roundtables)
- ELINA GARANCA: THE SYMPHONY by Signe Birkova, producer: Dãrta Vijgrieze (Roundtables)
- LOST IN TIME by Joosep Matjus, producer: Claudia Zenkert (Roundtables)
- UNDER HEAVENS by Mindaugas Survila, producer: Giedrė Žickytė (Roundtables)
- DER REKRUT by Hilarija Laura Locmele, producers: Juri Mazumdar, Philip Montasser (DOK.talent Pitch)
The event also includes a panel about on co-producing with the Baltic region on Thursday, 8 May. The focus is presented with the support of Estonian Film Institute, Lithuanian Film Center and National Film Centre of Latvia.
