DOK Leipzig 2015

The 58th International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Films in 2015 started with a new artistic direction. Leena Pasanen, successor of Claas Danielsen, initiated a major change; she abolished the division between documentaries and animated films which are now screened in the same competition sections. At the opening she underlined the political character of the festival: "DOK Leipzig traditionally stands for peace and human dignity. Today, this is perhaps more required than ever."

As opening film being a reminder of the 25th anniversary of the peaceful revolution which won a democracy in the former GDR the festival programmed Andreas Voigt's "Alles andere zeigt die Zeit" (Time Will Tell), the sixth part of his Leipzig Cycle which he started in 1986.

The Ecumenical Jury this year was enlarged by a Jewish and a Muslim member, a reaction to the actual refugee crisis in Europe and a signal against xenophobia. The jury awards a prize to a film of the International Competition for Long Films. Two of its members participate in the jury of the film award "Leipziger Ring" as well which is endowed by the "Stiftung Friedliche Revolution" (Peaceful Revolution Foundation) with 5000 € meant for a film which best contributes to comprehending democracy and its premises. This year, the "Leipziger Ring" was awarded to "Sobytie" (The Event) by Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa.

Link: Festival website