USA in the focus of the DOK Leipzig festival

The USA is the focus of this year's DOK Leipzig documentary film festival. During the festival week from October 27 to November 2, several films will be shown that deal with life and challenges in contemporary America. According to the organizers, a total of 252 long and short documentaries and animated films are on the programme at DOK Leipzig.

Five-and-a-half-hour film in the programme

The US focus also includes a five-and-a-half-hour film, announced outgoing festival director Christoph Terhechte. "Conbody vs Everybody", the title of the 332-minute film by director Debra Granik, accompanies an ex-drug dealer on his quest to avoid ending up back in prison, unlike 75 percent of all ex-prisoners in the USA.

A retrospective is also dedicated to the United States. Under the title "Un-American Activities", films will be shown that were invited to the Leipzig Documentary Film Week - behind the Iron Curtain - in the festival years 1962 to 1989.

Prize money of 55,000 euros in the competitions

Terhechte said that 73 films will be shown in the four competitions for the Golden and Silver Doves. A total of 55,000 euros in prize money will be awarded. Other thematic focuses include indigenous cultures, the climate crisis and wars and crises around the world. Last year, around 55,000 visitors were counted at DOK Leipzig.

This year's festival edition will be the sixth and last under the direction of Terhechte. He is leaving the post early for personal reasons. He anticipates growing financial hurdles in the future. "It is becoming increasingly difficult to raise the necessary funds for this festival," said Terhechte. Who will succeed him at the world's oldest documentary film festival should be decided during the festival week.