Consensual criteria that shape the final program selection of the section Feature Film are the political, social and cultural relevance of the topics as well as the cinematic treatment of the submitted contributions. Next to more classical forms of presentation, the Dokfest is open for the introduction of innovative formats, which show alleged boundaries of the genre, the might and the power of manipulation of images. Furthermore low or no budget productions, works by up-and-coming artists as well as new projects of well-known filmmakers at the Kassel Dokfest receive special attention during the selection process: because accompanying documentary works-in-progress continually is as important to us as offering a platform for the perspectives of bold and extraordinary projects.

A viewing committee, consisting of four people with different professional backgrounds (since 2009), is responsible for the selection of this section. Next to their interest in the political and cultural happenings of the world and their curiosity towards courageous and unconventional (life) stories, this group of four is unified in a cinematic obsession for documentary film in all its topical and aesthetic forms as well as their pleasure in passionate discussion about the best documentary films for the Kassel film festival.

Obviously, the selection is only able to show a part of the increasing abundance of documentary work every year, trying to none-the-less cover a broad spectrum of topics and forms and reaching an equally broad audience during the festival days.

Selection committee 2024: Sarah Adam, Senem Aytaç, Joachim Kurz, Sita Scherer

Cooperation: Stefanie Gaus, Anja Klauck, Cosima Lange, Afsun Moshiry, Christine Rogi, Dennis Vetter

Assistance: Paula Berger