40th DOK.fest München, 41st DOK.fest München

2026-07-22

The International Documentary Film Festival Munich (DOK.fest München) is Germany’s largest festival for documentary film in terms of audience numbers (61,000 visitors expected in 2025, 65,000 in 2026). It presents 130–150 European and international films annually, with 100–110 highlights showcased during the main event in May across various program sections, including four main competitions. The festival awards 17 prizes worth 65,200 Euros, among them unique awards in Germany such as the German Documentary Film Music Award, the VFF Documentary Film Production Award, and for the first time in 2025, the all inclusive Award, which promotes inclusive filmmaking. DOK.fest München celebrates major European premieres in its Cinema at its Best section at a 1,500-seat venue. Since 2022, the festival has been held in a hybrid format, offering both onsite screenings in Munich and nationwide online access, expanding its reach. Beyond the main event in May, DOK.aroundtheclock extends the festival experience by presenting 60–80 documentaries throughout the year in Munich. DOK.fest München collaborates with other festivals and cultural institutions to organize screenings across Bavaria and Germany. Its Dok @home Selection, launched in 2022, provides year-round nationwide access to selected European documentaries through its online platform. The industry platform DOK.forum offers different formats (one-to-ones, pitch formats, round tables and panels) for international film projects in development and connects them with decision makers from German-speaking countries. In 2025 it will attract around 3,000 industry guests. Furthermore, the film literacy program DOK.education makes media competence tangible with workshops throughout the year and reaches around 10,600 people with its activities. DOK.fest München places a strong focus on sustainability and inclusion, ensuring accessible programming and environmentally conscious festival operations.

Germany

2026-01-01