Early October 2025 is the time when visionary filmmakers from across Europe will gather again in Neubrandenburg to showcase their work. The festival welcomes documentaries, fiction, and animated films that explore the theme of "future" in a broad sense, reflecting on shifting realities. These films push the boundaries of their genres, navigating the dynamic space between tradition and avant-garde.

We warmly invite submissions from both professional filmmakers and film students. Entries should not exceed 60 minutes in length and must include English subtitles. While we accept all standard formats, preference is given to films that have not been previously screened, though we will also consider those that have.

Each year, a different European film school is featured as part of the festival’s international program. In addition to our European selection, dokumenART provides a dedicated forum for Middle and Eastern European cinema, fostering dialogue between filmmakers from across the continent. Our program is further enriched by special screenings, retrospectives, and regional showcases.

The next submission period begins 1st of April 2025. We encourage passionate filmmakers to submit their work via FilmFreeway.

The Latücht-Award of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will be awarded to an outstanding film, video or multimedia project which makes best use of the creative possibilities of the medium.
It comes with a cash prize of 5,000 €.

The City of Neubrandenburg Award will be awarded to a courageous and artistically ambitious film that explores or transcends the boundaries of its genre. It comes with a cash prize of 2,000 €.

The award of the Members-Jury of the Film & Media Association Latücht, the upholder of the film festival dokumentART. It comes with a cash prize of 1.000 €.

The Award of the Student Union Greifswald will be presented by students of the University Neubrandenburg as well as the University Greifswald and
comes with a cash prize of 1,000 €.

General Rules – European Competition

- All genres are accepted, except for commercial/corporate films and music videos.
- The film must explore the theme of "future" in any form.
- Maximum running time: 60 minutes.
- The project must be linked to a European production country (either the director or production company must be based in Europe).
- Eligible films must have been released on or after July 1, 2023.
- At least one member of the film crew must attend the festival to present the film. For filmmakers travelling within Europe, the festival will cover part of the travel costs as well as three nights in a local hotel or hostel.
- By submitting a film, filmmakers agree that no screening fees will be paid—both during the festival and for subsequent dokumentART program presentations.
- Submitted films may be considered for both the competition and the 'Bridging Europe – Central and Eastern European program'.

General Rules – Bridging Europe – Central and Eastern European program (Out of Competition)

- All genres are accepted, except for commercial/corporate films and music videos.
- Films of any length are eligible.
- Open to films from or about Central and Eastern European countries, including former CIS states and Poland.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elene Gomelauri

    Thank you so much for having us! Met so many cool people here.

    November 2023
  • Johann Schilling

    thank u for having me there!<3

    December 2021
  • Veneta Androva

    It was really nice expirience for me to be part of the 27. dokumentART. Great programm with a lot of interesting works and such nice and welcoming athmosphere. Thank you for having me!

    November 2018
  • Thomas Hirgorom

    I could go to this festival and the programmation and the reception were perfect!!

    October 2018
  • Riccardo Gaspare Contrino

    It's been a really beautiful and fulfilling experience! The crew of doukumentART are extremely kind and well organized! The selection of the festival was very interesting as well as the location.

    Great experience!

    March 2018