After 17 successful years of organising the Profis Plaudern Praxis (PPP) series in collaboration with the Hessen Film and Media Academy (hFMA), the partnership is coming to an end this year. Funding from the hFMA has been withdrawn without replacement for 2026. Together with the Zentrum für Kreativwirtschaft (ZfKW) and made possible by financial support from the Hessen Agentur, a newly developed format entitled DokfestPraxis will take place. Just as supporting emerging film talent is a key priority for the Kassel Dokfest, the Zentrum für Kreativwirtschaft focuses on supporting creative professionals and promoting the creative scene in Kassel. 

The first part of this year’s “Who Cares?” event will address issues related to starting a career and professional development: Filmmakers from Kassel will present their work, discuss their career paths, and talk about both the advantages and challenges of Kassel as a hub for film and media (in German language).

What opportunities does Kassel offer as a film location – and what’s missing? What does it take to work professionally in the film industry today? How do you find crew members, and where do you get equipment or locations? Five filmmakers from Kassel, who have developed their professional skills in various – and often multiple – roles, talk about their work, their life and career paths, and discuss issues such as infrastructure, funding opportunities, challenges, and also possible utopian visions related to filmmaking. Almost all of the filmmakers have studied at the Kunsthochschule Kassel and have since decided to build their professional future in the city. Not only does this strengthen the Kassel location, it also makes skilled professionals available for Hessian film and media productions.

With Tobias Böhm, Behrooz Karamizade, Antonia Kilian, Eeva Ojanperä und Christian Wittmoser.