FAQ to VFF Documentary Production Award

DOK.fest München and VFF Verwertungsgesellschaft der Film- und Fernsehproduzenten mbH are pleased to announce the 10th VFF Documentary Production Award, which will be presented at the 42nd DOK.fest München, taking place in May 2027.

You are producer of documentary films and would like to submit a film for the VFF Documentary Production Award? Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions at a glance.

 

Who is the VFF Documentary Production Award aimed at?

Producers of documentaries in Germany are invited to submit entries. The VFF Documentary Production Award at DOK.fest München explicitly recognises the role of production in the creation of current documentary feature films.

What are the requirements for participation?

Films that meet the following criteria are eligible for submission to the VFF Documentary Production Award:

  • Film production with a minimum length of 72 minutes
  • At least 51% production share from Germany
  • Publication after 1 January 2026
  • If your film has already participated in a previous DOK.fest München edition, it cannot be resubmitted.
  • Until the screening at the festival, the submitted film must not have had a regular theatrical release in Germany, or broadcast on a public or free-to-air private channel. Furthermore, films that are available on freely accessible internet platforms are excluded from the festival. In individual cases, the decision on admission is the responsibility of the festival management.
  • University films (including graduation and debut films) are not permitted.
  • Two to three public screenings at DOK.fest München 2027 are obligatory.

The selection for the VFF Documentary Production Talent Award is based on the criteria below. It is the responsibility of the producer to present the special production achievement in the documents to be submitted:

  • Commitment of the production in the selection of a challenging subject
  • Commitment and productivity in putting together the financing
  • Creative and innovative approaches to production
Do I have to submit my film for DOK.fest München first in order to apply for the VFF Documentary Production Award?

No. Submission is independent of participation in DOK.fest München. The films submitted for the award do not automatically take part in the selection for the festival film programme.

What criteria are used for the selection?

The selection for the VFF Documentary Production Talent Award is based on the criteria below. It is the responsibility of the producer to present the special production achievement in the documents to be submitted:

  • Commitment of the production in the selection of a challenging subject
  • Commitment and productivity in putting together the financing
  • Creative and innovative approaches to production
How much does the submission cost?

Submission to the VFF Documentary Production Award is free of charge.

How much is the prize money and who is the award donor?

The award is sponsored by the VFF Verwertungsgesellschaft der Film- und Fernsehproduzenten mbH and comes with prize money of 7.500 euros. The award ceremony takes place during the DOK.fest München.

How exactly do I apply for the VFF Documentary Production Award, how does the submission process work?

If you would like to submit your film for the VFF Documentary Production Award, please register it via our database.

  • If you are submitting a film to us for the first time, please set up an account under "My account".
  • If you already have an account, you can log in at any time.
  • Please select "VFF Documentary Production Award" under "Registration for" in the film submission form.
  • We provide information on the exact steps for submitting a film here under item 8.

Please also send the following documents by email to Elena Lanzinger (lanzinger@dokfest-muenchen.de):

  • Statement by the producer on the outstanding significance of the production for the film (max. 3000 characters)
  • Brief presentation of the production company (max. 700 characters)
  • Short biography of the producer, director and other key participants (max. 700 characters per biography)
  • Complete and clear breakdown of the budget plan
  • Complete and clear breakdown of the financing plan
  • Filmstill(s)
  • Please indicate whether you are a VFF member.

 

Submission deadline: 22nd January 2027

Please make sure that you send in all documents, as incomplete submissions cannot be considered. All documents and information will be treated in strict confidence.

Who is the contact person?

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact:

Elena Lanzinger
lanzinger@dokfest-muenchen.de
Phone: +49 89 51 39 97 88

DOK.fest München
Dachauer Straße 116
80636 Munich
Germany