DOK Spotters 2023

The DOK Leipzig is back, in a special edition, the 66th. We are looking forward to a festival week filled with new impressions, exciting films, and filmmakers from around the world.

Sascha, 17

Me in 3 words: Open, attentive, curious.

DOK Leipzig to me: An opportunity to watch great films and report on them while reflecting.

The last film that amazed me: "Deep Sea" (2023, China). The animated film featured passages that flowed before me like a painting, with streams of color and light meandering across the screen. I was also amazed at how some sequences in the film managed to illustrate the gradual slide into the chaos of the moment using visual elements. Additionally, I found the beautiful lighting of the scenes impressive. None of these aspects, however, detracted from the film's storyline; instead, they complemented it and made the film a fantastic visual experience for me.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... listening to music, talking and sharing stories with friends.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? Fun, meeting people, and creating content.

Radio, video, or blog? Video & Radio.

Hedi, 16

Me in 3 words: Creative, curious, open-minded.

DOK Leipzig to me: A great opportunity to explore new things in the field of film, journalism, and media in general, and to gain valuable experiences. I'm excited about what the coming days have in store for me and looking forward to it.

The last film that amazed me: "Barbie" because, in my opinion, the film is feminist, and such themes are unfortunately too rarely represented in movies. It's important to address how patriarchy has negative effects on both women and men.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... I read a lot, engage in theater & play the flute, and I also write and take photographs.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? Lots of new experiences, meeting new people, and simply having a great time 🙂

Radio, video, or blog? I'm open to everything.

Nora, 16

Me in 3 words: Tired, patient, loyal.

DOK Leipzig to me: A week at the cinema to learn and discover new things.

The last film that amazed me: "Don't Look Up" because the setting and theme of the film completely captivated me.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... Reading and spending time with friends.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? Many insights into journalism and technology, and of course, cool new films!

Radio, video, or blog? Probably radio, but blog and video are good too...

 

Edgar, 17

Me in 3 words: Insomniac, music lover, cinematographer.

DOK Leipzig to me: Lots of fun and even more films.

The last film that amazed me: "About Time" - a romance film with time travel that explores how people interact with each other - what more could you want.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... Making films, graphic design, meeting up with friends.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? Lots of fun and getting to know cool people again.

Radio, video, or blog? Video!

Feline, 18

Me in 3 words: Curious, animal-loving, observant.

DOK Leipzig to me: A documentary film festival where people come together to engage with films, topics, and the motivations of the filmmakers.

Last film that impressed me: "Bloody Sunday" - A film about January 30, 1972, in Derry (Northern Ireland). It's not just about the Northern Ireland conflict, the Civil Rights Movement, and activist Ivan Cooper, but also follows the British Army on Bloody Sunday. It deeply moved me and made me reflect.

When I'm not watching films, I prefer... Drawing and reading, meeting friends in the park, or at the late-night convenience store.

What I wish for in the coming days: Exciting films, learning new things about journalism and technology.

Radio, video, or blog? Radio - I enjoy listening to documentaries and radio stations.

 

Gesine, 17

Me in 3 words: Committed, open, colorful.

DOK Leipzig to me: A place for meeting, exchange, and learning.

The last film that amazed me: "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" - I loved every single scene. The film was calm and stormy at the same time. Additionally, it was very interesting to watch a film in which (almost) only women played.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... Dancing and being involved in the student council.

What I wish for in the upcoming days: To try out lots of new things, meet new people, and of course, watch great documentaries, discuss, inform, and peek behind the scenes.

Radio, video, or blog? Radio, but only because I have some experience with it. I've tried video and blogging before, but not on a more professional level.

Ida, 16

Me in 3 words: Always, still, overwhelmed.

DOK Leipzig to me: A super cool film festival with great films by talented directors.

The last film that amazed me: "Barbie," because of the incredible performances of the actors and the important message about the portrayal of women in our society.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... Listening to music, reading, and hanging out with friends.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? To watch many exciting films and to meet and interview their actors/directors.

Radio, video, or blog? Video and blog.

Lina, 17

In 3 words: Three are not enough.

DOK Leipzig to me: An opportunity to broaden my horizons, work in journalism, gain experience, and meet cool people.

Last film that impressed me: "Schindler's List" (History class assignment, very interesting, and historically significant - based on a true story).

When I'm not watching films, I prefer... Listening to music, playing volleyball/basketball, listening to the radio, reading books, being out with friends.

What I wish for in the coming days: Just having a good time.

Radio, video, or blog? Everything.

Miriam, 18

In 3 words: Small, open-minded, curious.

DOK Leipzig to me: A great opportunity to broaden one's horizons.

Last film that impressed me: "All Quiet on the Western Front" - compelling portrayal, well-crafted, moving, and thought-provoking.

When I'm not watching films, I prefer... Learning something new or meeting friends.

What I wish for in the coming days: Lots of fun, new connections, and many beautiful experiences.

Radio, video, or blog? Video.

Kilian, 14

Me in 3 words: Friendly, athletic, gamer.

DOK Neuland to me: Uncharted territory.

The last film that amazed me: "One Piece Red," good animation, good storytelling.

When I'm not watching films, I most enjoy... Gaming, working out, eating kebabs.

What I wish for in the upcoming days? To learn new skills.

Radio, video, or blog? Radio.