Industry Training Talks 2025
From 9 to 10 May we’ll bring back the Industry Training Talks, curated by Paul Rieth and presented in partnership with Documentary Campus, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) and Creative Europe Desk München. Under the theme "Beyond the frame: New possibilities in non-fiction formats, funding & distribution", the event will explore the latest challenges and innovations in documentary filmmaking.
With funding models under strain, new formats emerging, and audience engagement becoming increasingly complex, the documentary sector faces critical questions. The rise of digital distribution is reshaping traditional revenue streams, while social media and alternative channels offer new opportunities for storytelling and audience connection.
Through panels, lectures, case studies, and interactive sessions, the Industry Training Talks will dive into new strategies for financing, storytelling, distribution and audience building – bringing together leading experts to share insights and practical approaches.
Wednesday, 7 May
11 a.m.–4.45 p.m.
Perspectives Talks | HFF
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch by Adobe | HFF - Foyer
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
Opening DOK.fest: FRIENDLY FIRE | Deutsches Theater
Thursday, 8 May
10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Welcoming coffee | HFF - Foyer
•••
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Perspectives Talks | HFF
•••
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Reception: 50th anniversary of B.O.A. | B.O.A. Studios
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch by B.O.A. | B.O.A. Studios
•••
5 p.m.–7 p.m.
FFF Reception | Amerikahaus
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
DOK.drinks (DOK.forum Marketplace 2025) | Minna Thiel
Friday, 9 May
9 a.m.–10 a.m.
Welcoming coffee | HFF - Foyer
•••
9.30 a.m.–10 a.m.
Opening keynote: The potential of documentaries in times of uncertainty | HFF - Kino 1
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch by Documentary Campus | HFF - Foyer
•••
2 p.m.–3.15 p.m.
Reimagining documentary: Formats, markets & business | HFF - Audimax
•••
3.45 p.m.–4.45 p.m.
Case studies of new formats | HFF - Audimax
•••
5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Arte Reception | Amerikahaus
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
Orange Hour with Doc Around Europe and music by Sonoton (DOK.fest München) | HFF - Foyer
Saturday, 10 May
9 a.m.–10 a.m.
Welcoming coffee | HFF - Foyer
•••
9 a.m.–10.15 a.m.
Funding outside the box | HFF - Audimax
•••
10.30 a.m.–11.30 a.m.
Documentaries and audiences: Finding your viewers | HFF - Audimax
•••
11.45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Design your audience strategy | HFF - Filmstudio 1
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch | HFF - Foyer
•••
2 p.m.–3 p.m.
Distribution in times of change | HFF - Audimax
•••
3.15 p.m.–4 p.m.
Future-proofing your documentary | HFF - Filmstudio 1
•••
4.15 p.m.–4.45 p.m.
Closing session: The future of storytelling: Final reflections on collaboration | HFF - Audimax
•••
5.30 p.m.–6 p.m.
DOK.forum Award ceremony | HFF - Audimax
•••
5.30 p.m.–7.30 p.m.
Goethe-Institut Reception | HFF - Foyer
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
all inclusive Award: Award ceremony with film screening of PATRICE: THE MOVIE and reception (DOK.fest München) | Münchner Kammerspiele
•••
from 8 p.m.
Anniversary celebration with concert (DOK.fest München) | Ampere/Muffatwerk
Sunday, 11 May
9.30 a.m.–11 a.m.
Networking coffee co-presented by WIFT | HFF - Foyer
•••
10 a.m.–5.30 p.m.
Perspectives Talks | HFF
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch | HFF - Foyer
•••
5 p.m.–6 p.m.
African Encounters panel: Let's talk climate! (DOK.fest München) | HFF - Kino 1
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
German Documentary Film Music Award and DOK.composition Award: Award ceremony with film screening of VRACHT and reception (DOK.fest München) | HFF - Audimax
Monday, 12 May
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Perspectives Talks | HFF
•••
1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch | HFF - Foyer
•••
8 p.m.–10 p.m.
Orange Hour with music by Sonoton (DOK.fest München) | HFF - Foyer
Event information and tickets
- The Industry Training Talks will all be held in English.
- The Industry Training Talks will all be held on site.
- The Industry Training Talks are open to the public (with ticket purchase, valid for all Industry Training Talks).
- The Industry Training Talks are open to all accreditation types (DOK.fest professionals, DOK.forum Marketplace Observer (Plus) and Marketplace guests) for free (except DOK.forum accreditation, need to purchase ticket).
