We are happy to announce “Doc Together”, a brand-new initiative in collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival! This project is dedicated to supporting displaced or exiled filmmakers and those working under perilous conditions in their home countries.

Many documentary filmmakers face immense challenges—whether due to political repression, discrimination based on aspects of their identity such as ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, war, or a lack of industry support. “Doc Together” aims to explore how these professionals can access funding, resources and industry support in their current locations or in their countries of origin if they are excluded from national funding opportunities or unable to receive support.

The initiative was officially launched yesterday in Thessaloniki by Nadja Tennstedt (DOK Leipzig) and Angeliki Vergou (Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival) on a panel that also included filmmaker and producer Talal Afifi and producer Thomas Kaske. The event was moderated by Alex Shiriaieff, co-founder of B2B Doc and Chief Executive Producer of Euro Arctic Media Group.

As part of “Doc Together,” our festivals will host events that bring these crucial issues to the forefront, provide a platform for affected filmmakers, and advocate for their creative freedom.

With this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, resilience, solidarity, and the power of documentary filmmaking in times of crisis.

Find more information in our press release.

Photo ©Thessaloniki Film Festival | Dimitra Merziemekidou