Anna Ramskogler-Witt, Vivian Schröder • Artistic director and impact director, Dokumentale
“We want to showcase the breadth of non-fiction storytelling”
- We spoke to the artistic director and impact director of the Berlin-based non-fiction festival to delve into the programme of its inaugural edition
We spoke to Anna Ramskogler-Witt and Vivian Schröder, artistic director and impact director of Dokumentale, a brand-new non-fiction film and media festival set to run in Berlin from 10-20 October (see the news) and backed by the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, The Storyboard Collective and AG Dok. During our conversation, we touched on the highlights of this year’s programme, the event’s different strands and what’s on offer for industry attendees.
Cineuropa: Dokumentale is a fresh player in the game of non-fiction festivals. What’s your mission, and what type of audience do you aim to attract?
Vivian Schröder: Our mission is to celebrate the power of non-fiction storytelling and foster a diverse audience that appreciates documentaries, books, VX and podcasts. We aim to attract individuals who are curious about the world around them and seek informative, thought-provoking content. By showcasing a wide range of topics and formats, we hope to inspire cross-pollination between different formats and encourage deeper engagement with non-fiction media.
Can you talk through the opening film? Why did you choose it?
Anna Ramskogler-Witt: Our opening film, Sisterqueens by Clara Stella Hüneke, is a powerful and inspiring exploration of young girls' empowerment through art, particularly rap. When we both watched the film, we were instantly captivated. It's a remarkably powerful film that, while highlighting some societal challenges, ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful and inspired. Given its focus on a Berlin-based story, it seemed like it was the perfect fit for our festival.
How are the different strands structured? What are the film highlights of this year’s edition?
AR-W: As mentioned, we wanted to showcase the breadth of non-fiction storytelling. Our curators carefully selected projects that fall into categories like society, art, rights, science and technology, and nature. This provides a framework for our audience without being overly restrictive. One highlight is hosting James Hamilton, the photographer portrayed in Uncropped, who will also hold a master class. We're also excited to screen films in unusual venues, such as E.1027 - Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea [+see also:
film review
film profile] at the legendary club Tresor and Alreadymade at the Berlinische Galerie. And we're honoured to present the Berlin premiere of Hollywoodgate [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Berlin-based director Ibrahim Nash'at.
What about the D’Salon and the Books section?
AR-W: The D’Salon is a beautiful feature of our festival, combining insightful conversations between authors, experts and directors with film screenings. We believe that this format provides a valuable opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives and encourages deeper engagement with both books and films. By bringing together diverse voices and mediums, we aim to create a more comprehensive and enriching experience for our audience.
What’s on offer for industry attendees?
VS: We created the d’Hub especially for industry attendees. We’re excited to host the inaugural The Good Media Pitch that is at the heart of the d’Hub, inspired by the DocSociety’s successful Good Pitch model. This event showcases six promising projects and highlights our commitment to impact producing. We're grateful for the support of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, The Storyboard Collective and AG Dok – thanks to their help, we were able to support these outstanding initiatives and look forward to presenting their impact strategies on October 15th. In conjunction with the wonderful Marta Golba, we’ve also curated a two-day industry programme around the pitch. This programme focuses on innovative storytelling techniques and addressing challenges faced by non-fiction filmmakers, such as censorship, archival research, and international collaborations.
What are your long-term goals?
VS: If we may dream – our long-term goal is to establish Dokumentale as a sustainable platform for non-fiction storytelling in Berlin. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive space that fosters innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. By offering a rich and engaging programme for both audiences and industry professionals, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of non-fiction storytellers to go the extra step further with their stories.
How can we attend Dokumentale?
AR-W: There are several ways to attend Dokumentale. The general audience can purchase individual tickets or festival passes for discounted access to multiple events. We’re also offering a selected programme as a geo-blocked stream in Germany for those unable to attend in person. Additionally, all talks will be available online as live-streams, videos and podcasts.
Industry attendees are invited to purchase an accreditation to participate in the d’Hub industry programme, including The Good Media Pitch, film screenings, and networking events. If you are abroad, you will even be able to stream several sessions free of charge. You can find out more on our website.
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