DOK Leipzig 26

To say that Anne, the subject of Konrad Schlaich’s feature doc world-premiering in Leipzig, has a tough life would be to understate it. She is an impoverished single mother in her mid 30s who has a history of addiction and whose teenage daughter, Leonie, 14, is already in trouble, missing school and slipping into drug dependency too. “At first, I was judging Anne as a very bad mother, but then I ended up talking to her and I was very surprised how much she shared about her past,” the director recalls to BDE. “I wanted to know more and I felt very intrigued about making a portrait of her.”

New director Ola Staszel talks to Business Doc Europe before the 69th roll-out of world’s oldest docfest. “As a very young person, I was really touched and moved by Kieślowski and by Łoziński,” the Polish Staszel underlines her credentials. “In my early age, I realised what it means to create films about people telling universal stories. That's why I think it's crucial to show, to create, to discuss documentaries, because they’re really life-changing. You see small slides or pieces of reality and you realise, okay, life’s so big.”

DOK Leipzig has unveiled its competition line-up for the 69th edition (26 Oct to Nov 1). A total of 76 films, including 30 world premieres, are competing for Golden and Silver Doves across the four competitions, three of which are documentary-oriented, the fourth animation. “Many of this year’s competing films focus on Central and Eastern Europe. Giving more space to films and filmmakers in these countries is not only a key concern of DOK Leipzig, but also something I care deeply about personally,” says Ola Staszel, incoming festival director.

This year’s DOK Industry programme will be jam-packed with animation, not just to complement the festival’s programming line, but also “to establish DOK Industry as a meeting point for the international animated film community,” the festival writes. “Across all parts of the festival, DOK Leipzig is always exploring the boundaries of animation: from animated documentaries via experimental films all the way to the DOK Neuland extended reality exhibition,” organisers add.

DOK Leipzig has announced the full DOK Industry programme for the 69th edition of the festival edition running 26 October – 1 November. This year, the DOK Industry Programme offers “a vibrant mix of formats and activities that engage with key industry topics, foster creative exchange, and provide filmmakers with a space to showcase their work and build lasting connections within the international community,” the festival writes.

This year at DOK Leipzig (26 Oct – Nov 1), Young DOK is once again showing a selection of diverse and age-appropriate documentary and animated films, inviting audiences young and old to dream and reflect. The section is made up of Kids DOK - for youngest film buffs, of nursery and primary school age - and Young Eyes, which features films for teenagers. Alongside German productions and films with no dialogue at all, international titles will be screened with subtitles.

The 22nd edition of the DOK Co-Pro Market of DOK Leipzig welcomes 35 projects from 34 countries looking to connect with new international financing and co-production partners. This year’s selection represents a wide geographic spread, spanning all continents and featuring countries typically less represented in the international film arena, including the DR Congo, Namibia, Palestine, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria. Women filmmakers also maintain a strong presence in the line-up, comprising 50 percent of directing talent.

Organisers of the 69th DOK Leipzig (26 Oct to Nov 1) have announced first details of this year’s programme, which include the new ‘Positions’ section which is designed to create more space for exchange and debate. “The selection of films is intended as a starting point and catalyst for dialogue and exchange – listening to one another, having conversations, accommodating differing views and contradictions, and questioning our own convictions,” the festival writes.

DOK Leipzig is seeking XR projects from immersive creators from around the world, and at all stages of development, for its DOK Exchange XR industry program, a 2-day conference and showcase offering an in-depth exploration of XR creation. The application deadline is 1 July, after which applications will be evaluated by an international jury. The 69th edition of DOK Leipzig runs 26 October to 1 November 2026.

Aleksandra (Ola) Staszel is set to take over from Christoph Terhechte who will leave the festival on January 31 2026. The pair will work together through January 2026 in order to ensure a smooth transition. “In Ola Staszel, the city of Leipzig will gain a general manager for DOK who brings with her a broad artistic vision as well as considerable experience in the documentary film industry and a thoughtful approach to it,” says Dr Skadi Jennicke, Leipzig’s Mayor for Arts and Culture, and Chair of the festival’s supervisory board.