DokfestEducation

The Hessian University Film Day is an event for invited professionals and accredited festival guests only. As part of the Hessian University Film Day (HHFT), the four Hessian universities that offer study programs in the field of film present a selection of their current and best feature, animation, experimental and documentary film works.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to pitch their newest ideas to an audience of industry professionals.

The aim of the HHFT is to establish a connection between Hessian students and graduates and the film and television industry, in order to promote future cooperation.

For this purpose, the HHFT invites editors, producers, festival directors and distributors as well as members of various industry institutions every year. After viewing the program, the industry professionals and professors make a pre-selection for HESSEN TALENTS, a project of the hFMA, which is presented at the European Film Market of the Berlinale.

In order to intensify the exchange at the HHFT, students as well as industry professionals are invited to present themselves and their projects and thereby establish new contacts. In addition, all visitors will have the opportunity to give students specific feedback on their projects.

The HHFT is mainly organized and carried out by students of the Film and Moving Image class at the Kunsthochschule Kassel (Prof. Jan Peters and Anna Berger) and takes place in cooperation with the Hessian Film and Media Academy (hFMA) this year at UK14.

Further information: www.hhft.info

But for this I ask you to surrender yourself

Starting in 2014, the Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival expanded its profile by the presentation of a European film and media distributor, addressing both structural aspects and the substance of their activities. This year we are pleased to Video Power whose works are regularly part of our program.

Video Power is a non-profit organization based in Maastricht, Netherlands, dedicated to process-driven and experimental filmmaking practices, focusing on supporting filmmakers whose drive is deeply personal and who value the process of filmmaking as much as the result. Video Power specialize in gearing production and distribution to the specific nature of each project and encourage the rallying around process-driven filmmaking practices through events, workshops, screenings and talks, with the explicit goal of community building.

Since 2013, Video Power has produced close to 80 films that have been shown all over the world. Their catalog features multiple awarded films such as “Deployments” by Stéphanie Lagarde, “Grandmamauntsistercat” by Zuza Banasińska and more.
All activities are centered around the needs of a community of filmmakers that work at the crossroads of art and film, where scarcity is very much felt. Video Power is always thinking of ways to involve them in every step, sharing knowledge on how to navigate the film industry and finding creative ways to work around obstacles.
In an increasingly competitive film landscape, Video Power strives to do things differently, with care and support.

Since 2014, Kassel Dokfest has been portraying an international film festival every year to connect with other similarly orientated festivals that put together their programs with the same passion.

Since 2004, Crossing Europe Film Festival Linz, Austria's second largest international film festival, has been dedicated to showcasing the current cinematic work of a young generation of European filmmakers: films that stand out for their unconventional, courageous, and sometimes controversial artistic approaches or new narrative forms. With a hand-picked selection of around 140 feature films, documentaries, and short films, Crossing Europe aims to spark discussion about different artistic positions in film and to adequately present the diversity of European cinema in the cinema as a social space. Diversity in all its forms should find a place in the program in order to do justice to the diversity that defines this continent. Films about people in different regions of Europe and the stories that connect and divide them, with different collective identities and cultures – European realities and utopias on the big screen.

Crossing Europe goes Kassel: Local Artists Selected Shorts

The short film programme, curated especially for Kassel, comprises four remarkable works from the Local Artists section of the 2024 festival programme, each with its own unique artistic signature that will resonate with audiences for a long time to come.

For more than 30 years, each year an international university or study program is presented: Members of the respective universities are invited to Kassel to present a selection of works created in the university context at the Kassel Dokfest. The discussions following the screening allow the audience to engage in conversation and network. Since 2006, the Kassel Dokfest has looked beyond national borders to universities in Europe, starting with ZeLIG – School for Documentary, Television and New Media in Bolzano, Italy.

After last year’s Kassel Dokfest presented the KIMO National Film School of the LMTA (Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre), this year we are staying in the Baltic region: The Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) at Tallinn University is in the spotlight at the 42nd Kassel Dokfest, and we are pleased to welcome Riho Västrik; documentary film producer, director, and director of BFM – who will present the school. Five short films will be shown in a compilation.

This year’s theme, "Focus on Diversity: Paths to a More Inclusive Film Culture", aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of diversity in film and media production, in film content, and in its presentation.

Diversity encompasses various aspects such as ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and cultural backgrounds. A diverse film industry and culture can help tell stories that better reflect the reality of our society. Promoting diversity leads to increased visibility and opportunities for underrepresented groups – both in front of and behind the camera. This often results in more innovative and authentic narratives that enrich audiences. Presenting such works to the public can help break down stereotypes, expand audiences, and create a more inclusive film experience.
However, there are still many challenges to overcome to build a truly inclusive and diverse film culture, as individuals advocating for diversity frequently encounter numerous personal and structural obstacles.

Four short lectures by this year’s experts offer different perspectives on diversity in film production and culture. A moderated panel discussion contextualizes the topics presented and enables questions from the audience. In one-on-one consultations – held either on-site at Media Education Center North in the KulturBahnhof Kassel or online via Zoom – participants can receive personalized feedback and guidance on their own projects after registering in advance.

Interviews with the speakers are available here.

Free registration until November 20, via Anna Bell: bell@kasselerdokfest.de

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 21.11. | 11:00 – 17:30
Medienbildungszentrum Nord, KulturBahnhof Kassel

11:00 – 12:30 Presentations of the speakers:

11:00 Tabea Hosche - Filmmaker, Journalist (Deutsch // German)
11:20 Julia Fiechter - Author, Creative Producer (Deutsch // German)
11:40 Tajo Hurrle - Screenwriter, Director (Deutsch // German)
12:00 Bartholomew Sammut - Film Curator (Englisch // English)

12:30 – 13:15 Moderated panel discussion (German)

13.15 – 14.15 Lunch break

14:15 – 16:15 One-on-one Consultations on site (German / English)

16:30 – 17:30 One-on-one Consultations via Zoom (German / English)