© Dovile Sermokas
© Dovile Sermokas
Whether it’s big names on stage or quiet, touching in-between moments – Doxumentale is all about those unforgettable experiences. In our highlight series, we’re capturing exactly those moments: performances, quotes, encounters, and impressions that shape the spirit of the festival. Relive them here with us – or discover what you might have missed!
A stunning dancer in a shimmering golden dress steps gracefully down the yellow staircase from the rooftop into the garden of the Atelier Gardens. For a moment, the iconic film campus in the south of Berlin turns into a stage, and it feels like Marlene Dietrich herself is suddenly in front of us.
Glanz und Widerstand, the immersive ballet performance by the Berlin Ballet Company, captivates us from the first moment. This choreographic tribute to Marlene Dietrich balances delicately between myth and woman, between public figure and private person. With effortless elegance, the dancer leads the audience into the main hall – and with that, the official opening of the festival’s second edition begins.
Surrounded by packed rows, colourful lights, and loud applause, the two directors Anna Ramskogler-Witt and Vivian Schröder step on stage to welcome the audience. After a short greeting, the evening kicks off with a major announcement. “It’s storytime”, Vivian begins – and reveals the new name of the festival: Doxumentale. The “K” becomes an “X”.
“Dox” is already a beloved shorthand in the international doc community – a new name, the same deep passion for non-fiction work. Why the change? Anna turns to Vivian with a playful look. “Well, there was a bit of a legal complication… so now there’s a beautiful X in our name.”
To avoid a drawn-out legal conflict, the festival decided to look ahead – with a name that carries both vision and heart. “The X is a kiss”, Anna concludes. “It sends our love to everyone out there doing nonfiction work.”
Right after the welcome, the performance continues – ballet begins to unfold all around us again. Dance flows, surrounds, and carries us along. Guided by the dancers, the audience moves through different rooms and out into the garden of the Atelier Gardens. The performance is intense, atmospheric, and full of tension. But we won’t give too much away – you can still catch this extraordinary piece today and over the next two days at the Atelier Gardens. Get your tickets here!
And in the words of Roberto Perez-Rocha, Director of our festival partner Transparency International: “Let’s enjoy the festival together.”
