The 40th edition of #DOK.fest München# is scheduled from May 7–18, 2025, in cinemas across #Munich, complemented by an online component running May 12–25. The festival will showcase 105 films from 58 countries.
Thematic Sections and Highlights
The festival’s comprehensive programme includes 16 thematic sections addressing contemporary global issues:
- Never Again Is Now?: Revisiting historical parallels with films such as Friendly Fire, The Srebrenica Tape – From Dad, for Alisa, and It Happened On Our Ground.
- Crossing Boundaries: Focusing on migration with highlights including All Is Well, On the Border, and The Disappearance of Our Moments.
- Reframing History: Providing new views on past events through Fritz Litzmann, mein Vater und ich, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, and The Helsinki Effect.
- Subdue the Earth?: Environmental concerns explored in films like Blame, Only On Earth, and Yumi – The Whole World.
- Empowered: Stories of resistance including Azza, Girls & Gods, and Widow Champion.
- This Is America: Insight into U.S. society featuring The White House Effect, Seeds, and The Last Republican.
Competitive Categories and Films
The festival hosts three competitive segments:
- VIKTORIA DOK.international: Featuring Blame by Christian Frei, Azza by Stefanie Brockhaus, and In Hell With Ivo by Kristina Nikolova.
- VIKTORIA DOK.deutsch: Highlighting German perspectives with films such as Im Osten was Neues and Ping Pong Paradise.
- VIKTORIA DOK.horizonte: Offering diverse global narratives.
Special Awards
This year sees the introduction of the ‘All Inclusive Award’, celebrating inclusive filmmaking with nominees like Chronisch Ignoriert and The Stimming Pool. Additionally, the ‘DOK.fest-Preis der SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit’ highlights children’s perspectives in documentaries such as Afterwar and My Sweet Land.
Retrospective and Exhibition
Celebrating four decades, the festival will screen iconic documentaries from its history: Step Across the Border, The Gleaners and I, Citizenfour, and The Euphoria of Being. An anniversary exhibition at Gasteig cultural center (April 29–May 25) further commemorates the festival’s rich heritage.
