© Dovile Sermokas
© Dovile Sermokas
The first day of Dokumentale is already over and we had so much fun! Read a diary entry about the opening and learn more about the highlights that are waiting for you today!
Alice Dee took the stage Thursday night, kicking off the first Dokumentale with a burst of rap. The grand hall of the Colosseum was packed, with a crowd of 500 guests who also greeted the second performer, Haszcara, with enthusiastic cheers. The two rappers set the tone for the night, offering a preview of what awaited us in the opening film: cool rap and a whole lot of energy!
The moment had finally arrived: Ally Derks delivers the official opening speech. As the founder of the IDFA, one of the world’s most prestigious documentary film festivals, she congratulates Dokumentale on its establishment and opening. "Bringing audiences and directors together," she says, is the unique opportunity and mission of festivals like IDFA and Dokumentale.
IDFA founder Ally Derks is opening the first Dokumentale.
Anna Ramskogler-Witt and Vivian Schröder, the founders of Dokumentale, also welcome the guests. “But it takes a village,” Vivian says with a laugh, thanking the entire team. After this brief opening, we dive straight into the opening film, “Sisterqueens,” which introduces us to Jamila, Rachel, and Faseeha. These three girls from Wedding are part of the rap collective “Sisterqueens.” Their lyrics tackle feminism, discrimination, and self-determination—issues that shape their everyday lives. Over three years, we are immersed in their daily worlds. The warm, lighthearted atmosphere of the film fills the grand ballroom, making it a joy to watch with the Dokumentale audience. There’s a lot of laughter at the girls’ insightful yet witty comments. Applause breaks out multiple times during the film, especially when the protagonists explain why feminism is so crucial. Director Clara Stella Hüneke is equally uplifted by the atmosphere and the audience—rarely do people immerse themselves so deeply in a film, feeling and celebrating along with it. It becomes clear that Sisterqueens is more than just a documentary about rap; it’s a testament to the power of sisterhood, empowerment, and artistic expression. And I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of these three young rappers! If you missed them last night and want to get to know them, you can do so on October 12 and 13. Grab your tickets here
The film screening is even more special as a large part of the film crew attends the opening. Director Clara Stelle Hüneke and two of the protagonists join the Dokumentale stage afterward for a brief Q&A. I hope the opening left you as excited as it did me, and that it made you hungry for more. Over the next nine days, you’ll be able to explore films, books, podcasts, and even virtual reality at Dokumentale. Be sure to check out the full program here
Today, on the second day of Dokumentale, you can look forward to these highlights:
Want to jumpstart your weekend? Kick it off with fresh tunes from DJ Mirochka at Kater Blau (6 p.m.), followed by a captivating documentary about the UK’s free party movement of the 80s and 90s. Director Aaron Trinder will be on hand for a Q&A after the screening.
11 October, 6 p.m., Kater Blau
Hungry for some food for thought?
Our inaugural D’Salon will be featuring a thought-provoking talk with author Elias König, Indigenous rights activist Howilhkat Freda Huson (Yintah), and producer Jessica Valdez. The discussion, ‘Beyond Progress’, will be followed by a screening of the visually stunning film ‘Yintah’. Enjoy the talk and film along with one of the fine drinks offered by ORA bar – and maybe some antipasti too!
11 October, 6.30 p.m., Festival Centre
Meet the director: In his film ‘My Fathers Diary’, Ado Hasasnović draws on intimate daily diary entries and VHS recordings of his father and his comrades during the occupation of Srebrenica. His beautiful, artistic collage shows how humour served as a fragile lifeline for survivors during the darkest moments of their lives while also revealing the enduring impact that memory and trauma have had on an entire generation.
Also: Don’t miss the incredible VX projects on display at our Festival Centre in Living Berlin, starting today! Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with free entry).
As we move into the second festival day, I want to leave you with the words of Faseeha, who couldn’t have put it better at last night’s opening: “Show yourself. You are the star of your world. You are amazing!”
