20/11/2025 - The newly appointed director discusses how IDF is supporting filmmakers, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening documentary filmmaking as a tool for reflection and resistance

Since stepping into the role of programme director at the Institute of Documentary Film (IDF), Veronika Janatková has begun shaping the organisation’s response to a challenging geopolitical climate and a shifting cultural landscape. Here, she reflects on IDF’s priorities of supporting filmmakers, strengthening regional collaboration and developing forms of assistance that extend beyond individual projects.

Cineuropa: Since stepping into this new role, what have been your main priorities, and how are you shaping the institute’s vision for the coming years?
Veronika Janatková: Documentary films are in a conversation with their era, an era that is currently deeply troubling given the geopolitical realities unfolding across Europe and beyond. We are witnessing the return of fascist rhetoric and ideologies, wars and conflicts, and political leaders who are actively undermining the foundational values that have long guided us and our moral compasses. It confronts us with havoc and a void of meaning. In this context, documentary film and art in general stand as a form of resistance against these destructive trends. They are a crucial platform for critical thinking; they foster engagement, support our consideration for each other and contribute to social dialogue.

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For all of the above reasons, I think we have to listen – listen to the era and listen to the filmmakers navigating the shifting realities of today. What are their needs while they face the heaviness of their topics and situations, shrinking funding, political pressures and so on? It means prioritising stories that challenge dominant narratives or comfort zones, content-wise or form-wise. It also means creating channels where filmmakers can share their practical needs – their needs for sustainability or even survival, for time, for resources or for personal capacities. I am always asking myself how we can contribute to making documentary filmmaking a sustainable endeavour. In the longer term, I would like to develop programmes of support that transcend the projects and focus on filmmakers themselves – for example, residencies.

IDF runs initiatives such as the East Doc Platform, East Silver and various co-production labs. How do you see these programmes evolving under your leadership?
I only started working at the IDF a few weeks ago, and I am still trying to grasp the complex agenda. But I regard international collaborations as a central pillar of what we do. Alliances matter because they bring together voices and practices from many places, and they support documentary work and help it to exist and stay strong. As for Central and Eastern Europe, the region is not just a geographical term, nor a peripheral area; it is a region and political space shaped by post-socialist transformations and ongoing struggles for identity. Instead of just following Western Europe, the countries are changing the very idea of what Europe means by standing up for themselves and going through important transformations. The region has its own goals and priorities.

The stories that emerge from here are deeply rooted in local experience but speak to universal questions about values, memory and democracy. Partnerships provide opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, secure co-production deals and connect with international distributors. They are important not only for sharing our stories externally, but also for encouraging reflection and for the contextualisation of our perspectives within a broader global framework. We want to reach audiences out there, and one cannot do this alone.

I want to nurture the relationships that have been established by the IDF in the past as well as bringing in partnerships and regional initiatives that stem from current needs. Right after I joined the team, I participated in a panel at One World Slovakia about “Documentary Filmmakers vs State Authority”. It focused on initiatives that are striving to preserve quality documentary filmmaking in our Visegrad countries, despite the unfavourable conditions. The aim of this was to seek out opportunities for joining forces and for joint activities through which documentary communities across Europe can contribute to the protection and preservation of free filmmaking and cultural values. I see this event, and specifically the sharing of knowledge, as a meaningful initiative that cultivates our documentary ecosystem.

How does your experience in producing and supporting documentaries influence the strategic decisions you make for IDF projects and activities?
Documentaries have been a constant in my work. I have directed, produced and started a festival. I also have training in anthropology. It has opened up yet another way of thinking about the responsibilities involved in representing others, and about shaping a thoughtful and sensitive approach to documentary work. This gives me hands-on experience that deeply influences what I do.

Filmmaking can be a fulfilling experience, and I am grateful I have found my passion. It can also be a long and bumpy road. One can feel alone or stranded. In these situations, it is crucial to have a supportive community around, a network of like-minded people whom we can reach out to for understanding, support or collaboration. We all work on projects, but I think it is important not to surrender to the dictate and fast pace of this projectariat. Solidarity with our colleagues and the community is crucial. And what’s more, nothing is done alone; I believe in teamwork. Films are, for the most part, not made by one person alone, yet often, only the directors are celebrated. But there is a whole team behind them that needs to be recognised. The same goes for institutions.

For emerging documentary filmmakers wishing to engage with IDF, what key opportunities or guidance would you highlight to help them benefit from the institute’s support?
Our activities support filmmakers throughout the whole lifespan of the film. We welcome newcomers as well as experienced filmmakers. With the aim of respecting artistic freedom and vision, we provide a place for filmmakers to meet others in the industry and to develop their projects through our training workshops, market opportunities, and labs that help with ideas, fundraising and distribution. I would encourage them to take part in our open calls and programmes to benefit from mentorship and gain documentary-specific skills. Come and meet us!