Nick Cunningham

The German docfest is looking for ambitious and creative documentary and animated documentary projects, as well as doc series in development or early production, to be submitted by 15 July. “The two-day gathering (27 - 28 Oct) facilitates the financing of new creative documentary projects and offers exclusive access to the multifaceted German and international non-fiction markets,” write organisers.

Ahead of the July 12 world premiere of his feature doc Click the Link Below (Doc Edge NZ), Norwegian filmmaker Audun Amundsen announced that he has commenced photography on a “breathtaking” new sailing doc (working title: Aleutian Dreams) which will follow two families, including Amundsen’s own, as they prepare for a daring voyage through one of the world’s most remote & visually stunning maritime regions.

Dutch filmmaker wendelien van oldenborgh discusses her provocative new short film about transgenerational protest, selected for FID Marseille 2025. Each of the characters embodies defiance in their own way, whether elaborately, or with a greater degree of reflection. “In struggles, as in solidarity, although we look for our roles to play, we can also be there as an anonymous self,” the director tells us in her film.

Following its July 4 theatrical release in the UK and Ireland, Swipe Films’ A Sip of Irish, directed by Frank Mannion (also producer and company MD), will be released across digital platforms Amazon Prime, iTunes and Microsoft on July 14. This is ahead of Swipe Films’ release of the film both in US cinemas and on VOD on October 24. “There are over 82 million people around the globe with Irish heritage, so they are our target audience,” says Mannion. “With the help of our international distributors, we should be able to turn our screens green every St Patrick's Day!”

The deadline for submissions to Forum’s Producers Connection, Forum Pitch, DocLab Forum and Rough Cuts is imminent: July 25 2025. Additionally, the IDFA Bertha Fund announced its selection for the IBF Europe – Minority Co-pro scheme, awarding €240,000 to six doc projects. “It was inspiring to see so many more meaningful, equitable, and director-centred collaborations being created worldwide, and it definitely made our selection work both difficult and rewarding,” says IBF Exec Director Selin Murat of the submissions she received.

In Action Item, Berlin-based Slovak director Paula Ďurinová addresses the subject of personal burnout and depression, shifting away from personal reflection to collective analysis. The film, selected for both Karlovy Vary Proxima and FID Marseille International Competition, affirms that 21st Century anxiety is a result of the systemic conditions in which we are forced to live and operate. This recognition can, conversely, serve as a springboard for justifiable anger, resistance and change. Ďurinová gets angry with Business Doc Europe.

In Garry Keane’s latest film, world-premiering July 4 at Doc Edge New Zealand, we meet three Deaf couples, all Irish, who navigate their challenging lives with strength and resilience, using the medium of Irish sign language. “Telling stories through sign language is challenging, but making this unique film was profoundly moving and creatively stimulating,” says Keane, who led a largely Deaf crew in the film’s realisation.

The 2025 Sunny Side of the Doc pitch award winners were announced June 26 during the event’s closing ceremony. Over four days, the market gathered 2100 participants from 60 countries, over 1000 companies, 85 exhibitors, and 260 international decision-makers including major broadcasters, streamers, foundations, distributors, financiers, and museums from around the world. All winners…

Award-winning US docmaker Dawn Porter delivered a stirring keynote on the final day of Sunny Side 2025 during which she demonstrated how, through use of archive, history can (perhaps must) be told in many ways, and from myriad perspectives, but always with precision. “I can assure you that the reports [in the US] of the attack on truth and journalism…are not exaggerated,” she said. “We are not only tasked with telling history stories, but with making sure that the history that is told is not erased or distorted.”

Leading documentary associations from the UK, Canada and the US announced this week in Sheffield the formation of a new international alliance to coordinate support for independent documentary film. IDA Director of Programs Abby Sun said: “We can all see the present and coming challenges to the sector on a political, financial and technological level. I know that together we are stronger, both in the US and internationally. Doc makers are some of the most resourceful, committed and agile people in the industry and right now we all need to pull together.”