Docs on the Spot

Dear friends of DOK.fest München,

in times of fake news and blurring boundaries between fiction and documentary, documentary film is also challenged anew. We consider the topic crucial for the future and open the DOK.fest München 2021 @home with the German premiere of the film HINTER DEN SCHLAGZEILEN (BEHIND THE HEADLINES) by Daniel Sager. An exciting and highly explosive insight into the hidden work of the "Investigative Research" department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung!

We would also like to present you the nominees for the DOK.fest Award of SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit.

Aus HINTER DEN SCHLAGZEILEN (BEHIND THE HEADLINES) © DOK.fest München

On 5 May, DOK.fest München @home 2021 celebrates its opening with the film HINTER DEN SCHLAGZEILEN by Daniel Sager.

Secrecy is the top priority: HINTER DEN SCHLAGZEILEN gives an exciting insight into the hidden world of investigative journalism. Two reporters from the "Investigative Research" department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung meet Edward Snowden, investigate the weapons business, follow hot and cold leads. Then a story emerges that overturns Austrian politics: the "Ibiza affair" involving the FPÖ politician and then Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache. The viewers follow the work on the exposé story at close quarters, even gaining access to the SZ's chief editorial office, where journalists and lawyers discuss the highly explosive story and its possible consequences. Pure suspense and a plea for serious journalism in times of populism, fake news and social media.

Director Daniel Sager and the protagonists of the film talk about the film, its making and the Ibiza affair during the opening ceremony from the (empty) Deutsches Theater München via a live link with presenter Christina Wolf and festival director Daniel Sponsel. The film and the opening ceremony are available on the DOK.fest München website.

FAR FROM YOU I GREW France 2020, Marie Dumora
FOLLOW YOU HOME Denmark 2021, Kathrine Ravn Kruse
SCHOOL OF HOPE Finland, France, Morocco 2020, Mohamed El Aboudi
SHADOW GAME Netherlands 2021, Eefje Blankevoort, Els van Driel
SKIES ABOVE HEBRON Netherlands 2020, Esther Hertog, Paul King
WANDERING, A ROHINGYA STORY Canada 2020, Mélanie Carrier, Oliver Higgins

The DOK.fest Award of SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit is sponsored by B.O.A Videofilmkunst and is endowed with 3,000 euros. The prize is awarded to films that show the perspective of children and young people in a remarkable way.

To the jury

The nominated films can be seen online as part of DOK.fest München 2021 @home from 6 to 23 May 2021.