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The East Doc Platform (EDP) will take place 19–25 March in Prague, presenting 40 documentary projects from more than 20 countries across the industry programme. With a theme of Afterimages, this year’s selection reflects on the consequences of historical upheavals, political conflict and personal turning points, exploring how individuals and communities navigate memory, identity and resilience in the aftermath of war, migration, family rupture and social change. The projects will compete for 13 industry awards.

The focus will mark the Swiss premiere of her film Bouchra, co-directed by Orian Barki. On 24 April, the artist will discuss her approach during a public conversation with artist and filmmaker Valentin Noujaïm, alongside a presentation of her films and video works. “The conversation around [Bennani’s] hybrid, pop and political practice will joyfully expand the spectrum of possibilities for this 2026 edition,” comments Emilie Bujès, Artistic Director of Visions du Réel.

The wide-ranging set of guidelines was presented by author Nora Philippe, Director of EURODOC, during EFM Archive day, and is intended for use by filmmakers, producers, archival producers, film funds, archives and commissioning editors. “We have plenty of really useful and well-made sets of recommendations when it comes to parity, when it comes to diversity…we have sets of recommendations when it comes to sustainability, to environmental justice, on the relationship to protagonists…but nothing has ever been done [on] archives,” Philippe underlines the necessity of her Roadmap to filmmakers and archive professionals alike.

Movies that Matter Festival (The Netherlands) has revealed the full programme for its 2026 edition, bringing together a selection of films that confront urgent human rights issues and global social challenges. From 20 – 28 March 2026, the festival will “transform The Hague into an international meeting place for filmmakers, activists and audiences, presenting 95 films, including 10 world premieres,” organisers write.

In 2026, the Geneva-based human rights festival presents 35 documentaries, nine fiction films and twelve short films competing in the various competitions, and/or accompanying the 21 Forums and three Impact Spotlights. The competing films will be reviewed by international and youth juries, who will reveal the Award winners during the Closing Ceremony. The upcoming edition of FIFDH runs 6 to 15 March.

In La Pieta, produced by SUICAfilms (Spain), AXfilms (Iceland) and Studio Nominum (Lithuania) and selected for Thessaloniki’s International Competition, a veil of snow covers the Icelandic glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest on the island, and old voices echo like prayers – a requiem for what once was, and what will be lost forever. “There is something fascinating, almost mystical, about standing in front of a glacier. It’s the closest feeling to when, as children, we believed in God,” say co-directors Rafa Molés and Pepe Andreu.

A total of 252 full-length and short documentary films will be screened at the 28th TIDF, with a record number of 80 world premieres, as well as 32 international and 11 European premieres. The opening film of the festival (March 5) is Ask E. Jean by Ivy Meeropol, while the Oscar-nominated Mr. Nobody Against Putin will close the festival March 15. Debutant doc director Juliette Binoche will present her In-I In Motion in Thessaloniki.

Visions du Réel announced February 25 Sergei Loznitsa as the Special Guest of the 57th edition of the festival (17–26 April). Loznitsa will participate with a masterclass and a selected retrospective of his documentary work. “With a filmography marked by astonishing diversity – from short to feature films, oscillating between fiction and documentary – Loznitsa is a major figure of contemporary non-fiction cinema, and beyond,” the festival writes.

The Krakow Film Festival and Polish Documentary Film Directors Guild have established the Marcel Łoziński Documentary Award, valued at €7,000, to acknowledge documentary films that expand the artistic boundaries of the medium. The winner will be announced during the upcoming Krakow FF (May 31 to June 7). “In a world dominated by algorithms and ready-made formats, the prize recognises films that defy convention, steadfast in their honesty and creative vision,” the festival writes.

Institute of Documentary Film (IDF) is inviting documentary professionals to attend East Doc Platform 2026 (EDP), taking place from 19 to 25 March 2026 at the French Institute in Prague, and held in association with the One World International Human Rights Film Festival. This year’s edition carries special significance as the Institute of Documentary Film celebrates 25 years of activity in 2026. “Alongside its rich programme, the platform will reflect on a quarter-century dedicated to supporting documentary cinema," write organisers. Applications deadline: March 5.