FAQ about the submission to DOK.digital – Award for New Narrative Formats

 

You would like to submit a project for DOK.digital?
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions at a glance.

 

Who is the award aimed at?

Digital creators from German-speaking countries (DE/AT/IT/CH) can apply. Both individual and collective submissions are eligible.

Which projects can be submitted?

 

We are seeking exceptional projects that:

  • Offer diverse perspectives through innovative media formats, including cross-media, podcasts, social media narratives, multimedia projects, and XR.
  • Explore the possibilities of digital media and convey journalistic or documentary content beyond linear storytelling.
  • Actively engage the audience and make stories come alive.

 

A project is eligible for selection for the DOK.digital Award if the following requirements are met:

Submission by:

  • Collectives or individuals

Production:

  • From the German-speaking region (DACH)
  • Production period between January 2025 and beginning of 2026

Content & formal approach:

1. Relevant content with a documentary and/or journalistic approach

  • The documentary would focus on fact-based storytelling based on real events, issues or communities, using a documentary and journalistic approach. It could explore social, political, environmental or cultural issues, providing in-depth insight and investigative content.

2. Digital format

  • Web-based or app-based experience, using interactive media such as video, text, photos, audio, and virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR).
  • The format could be accessed on mobile devices, desktop computers, or VR headsets, depending on the technological sophistication of the project.
  1. 3. Consistent linking of content and form
  • The documentary would ensure that the way the story is told is consistent with the digital tools used. For example, user choices could affect the narrative, creating a branching story. 
  1. 4. Potential for meaningful audience interaction
  • Comments and discussions within the platform allowing viewers to engage with content, share opinions, and connect with others.

Additional conditions:

  • Projects should be suitable for presentation at DOK.forum 2025. Selected projects will be publicly showcased before the jury, with the award ceremony taking place as part of the DOK.forum during the 41st DOK.fest München.
  • Both completed and published projects are eligible for submission, including those in the final prototype phase.

 

How much is the award endowed?

The DOK.digital Award is sponsored by the Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting, BLM). It is endowed with 2,500 euros.

How can I submit?

The project submission is done via our website.

  • If you are submitting a project for the first time and do not yet have a user account with us, please register here by creating an account.
  • If you already have an account, you can log in at our website at any time and submit a new project. In case you have forgotten your password, you can request a new one via our system.
  • To submit via the online form, select the module "DOK.forum Marketplace" under "Your account" after logging in.
  • You can then use the button "Neues Projekt" (top right) to create a new project and start your submission. Please then select "DOK.digital" under "Application for".

The following documents are required and can be submitted via the DOK.fest München homepage:

  • Contact details of the submitter(s)
  • Link to view the project
  • Exposé / Project description
  • Objective of the project
  • CV of the submitter(s) / profile of the production company
  • Catalogue of works

Both completed and published projects, including those in the final prototype phase, can be submitted. The prerequisite for a registration for the DOK.digital Award is a meaningful application.

The submission for the DOK.digital Award is free of charge.
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

What happens if my project is selected?

The best projects will be presented publicly in the presence of the jury as part of DOK.forum at the 41st DOK.fest München (7 to 11 May 2026). The award ceremony will also take place during the DOK.forum.

Who is the contact person?

If you have any questions about DOK.digital, please contact:

Beran Erdogan
perspektiven@dokfest-muenchen.de

DOK.fest München
Dachauer Straße 116
80636 München
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 – 51 51 97 86