We are excited to unveil the 2026 DOK Industry Programme, featuring 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 in the industry. Head to the Industry Programme and Timetable now and start browsing.
Highlights of the Programme
Among the important highlights in this year’s Industry Programme is the DOK Industry Talk “Doc Together: When Freedom of Expression is at Risk”, held as part of its joint initiative with the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. The panel examines the rising threats to media freedom across Europe and the collective measures documentary filmmakers, journalists, and institutions can take.
The DOK Industry Talk “Making Space for Queer Cinema – The Curators’ Role” brings into focus the role of curators and film festivals in challenging mainstream depictions of queerness and advancing the intersectional storytelling. Hosted by the Romani Filmmakers Network (RFN) and the Critical Film & Image Hub, the DOK Industry Workshop “Building a Framework for Respectful Romani Representation” traces the history of antigypsyism in cinema and introduces a framework for culturally informed and accurate portrayals of Romani people, followed by an interactive session.
The “Generation Africa 2.0” Rough Cut Presentation brings to Leipzig five works-in-progress from Senegal, the DR Congo, Kenya, and Benin exploring the ongoing climate crisis on the African continent. Generation Africa 2.0 is an initiative by the South African non-profit media company STEPS, supported by ARTE and Deutsche Welle. Meanwhile, the DOK Industry Talk: “Community and Alternative Cinema Spaces and Practices” looks at alternative approaches to film exhibition and distribution, as well as cinemas as spaces of social discourse and community.
DOK Industry offers a rich slate of animation activities and events, including the Animation Lab DOK Leipzig taking place in collaboration with CEE Animation, as well as the roundtable “Adult Animation in Europe” (the second installment of an ongoing joint initiative between DOK Industry and Animation Production Days; APD).
All-Time Favourites at DOK Industry
This year marks the fifth edition of the DOK Archive Market, boasting a compelling programme, including a panel on replatforming, AI, and ethics for archives. DOK Exchange XR will again showcase an exciting programme on interactive and immersive storytelling, this year focusing on archiving practices of XR works in the context of AI and rapid tech advancements. DOK Preview Germany and DOK Preview International will reveal their project selections shortly. Among the returning formats are also Industry Intros and Industry Connections, providing deep dives into specific roles and aspects of the industry. Among the highlights is “Equitable Co-Productions,” which presents a Value-Based Co-Production manual.
There’s still more to discover! We wish you happy browsing and don’t forget to secure your accreditation in time. We look forward to welcoming you in Leipzig!
Find all dates and events
