Submissions Open for the 41st DOK.fest München 2026

    Call for Entries: DOK.fest München 2026

    Submissions for the 41st DOK.fest München are now open.
    From 6–17 May 2026, the festival will once again bring outstanding documentaries to Munich cinemas and special venues, followed by an online edition @home from 11–24 May 2026.

    DOK.fest München is seeking stirring, curious and relevant documentary films from around the world. Filmmakers, producers, distributors and composers are invited to submit their latest works across the festival’s diverse sections and competitions.

    Film Programme

    National and international documentaries (minimum length 52 minutes) completed after 1 January 2025 are eligible. Films must not have been theatrically released, broadcast or made freely available in Germany.
    Deadline: 15 December 2025
    Regulations and submission details

    DOK.education Film Literacy Programme

    Seeking 10–30 minute films for and about children and young people (ages 6–19), telling strong and creative stories. Submission is free of charge.
    Deadline: 15 December 2025

    Student Award

    Outstanding student documentaries from German-speaking film schools are invited. All nominated films compete for the megaherz Student Award (3,000 euros). Submission is by invitation only and free of charge.
    Deadline: 15 December 2025

    German Documentary Film Music Award

    Honouring exceptional film compositions that enrich the documentary narrative.
    Prize money: 5,000 euros | Submission is free of charge
    Deadline: 2 February 2026

    VFF Documentary Production Awards

    • Production Award (7,500 euros) – recognising outstanding documentary producers

    • Production Talent Award (3,000 euros) – for emerging producers
      Both awards are free to enter.
      Deadline: 2 February 2026

    all inclusive Documentary Film Award

    Awarded to productions where filmmakers with disabilities play a leading role.
    Prize money: 5,000 euros | Submission is free of charge
    Deadline: 2 February 2026

    DOK.forum Marketplace

    Opening in November 2025, the Marketplace offers curated pitch formats and networking opportunities, including the Master’s Pitch, DOK.archive Award, DOK.composition Award, DOK.digital Award and DOK.talent Award.

    More information:
    www.dokfest-muenchen.de
    Contact: loebner@dokfest-muenchen.de | marktplatz@dokfest-muenchen.de

    ...