Kassel Dokfest – Germany 2025

Background & History

The Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival, known as Kassel Dokfest, is an annual event organized by Filmladen Kassel e.V. Since its inception in 1982, it has grown into one of Germany’s most significant documentary and media art festivals, held in Kassel, Hesse. The festival showcases a diverse range of short and feature-length documentary films, artistic-experimental productions, and innovative media installations. Over the years, it has gained international recognition for its intimate atmosphere and focus on fostering connections between local audiences, filmmakers, and media professionals from around the world. In 2024, the festival presented 212 films, reflecting its commitment to promoting both established and emerging talent in documentary filmmaking and new media.

Event Highlights

• Film Program: A curated selection of short and feature-length documentary films, including artistic-experimental works and productions from Northern Hesse.
• Monitoring Exhibition: A trans-media section showcasing current video and media installations.
• Educational Opportunities: The Hessian University Film Day, DokfestCampus, and Interfictions Workshop symposium offer workshops, lectures, and networking for up-and-coming filmmakers.
• DokfestForum and DokfestConnection: Platforms for professional exchange and collaboration among filmmakers and media professionals.
• Jünges Dokfest and DokfestGeneration: Specialized programs for youth and seniors, ensuring inclusivity across generations.

Date & Duration

Dates: November 18 – November 23, 2025 (in-person); online until November 30, 2025
Duration: 6 days (in-person), extended to 12 days with online streaming

Venue / Location

City: Kassel, Germany
Main Venue: Goethestraße 31, 34119 Kassel (Filmladen Kassel e.V.)
Notable Areas: Screenings take place in Kassel’s arthouse cinemas, including Gloria Kino and Filmladen Kassel. The Monitoring exhibition is hosted at various cultural venues in the city, with additional events at the DokfestLounge for networking and evening programs.

Contact Information

Organizer: Filmladen Kassel e.V.
Address: Goethestraße 31, 34119 Kassel, Germany
Phone: +49 561 7076421
Email: dokfest@kasselerdokfest.de
Website: kasselerdokfest.de
Festival Director: Gerhard Wissner Ventura (wissner@kasselerdokfest.de)
Deputy Director: Marie Kersting (kersting@kasselerdokfest.de)
Press Office: Johanna Groß (press@kasselerdokfest.de)

Ticket Information

Tickets are available online via kasselerdokfest.de and on-site at festival venues.

• Single (adult, cinema): $9.95
• Reduced (cinema): $9.36
• Filmladen Card holder: $8.19
• Group (10+): $7.02
• DokfestGeneration (60+): $7.61
• Student (DokfestCampus): $4.68
• Youth (“junges dokfest”): $3.51
• Online single ticket: $5.85
• Online season ticket: $29.25
• Combined season (regular): $99.45
• Combined season (reduced): $87.75
• Accreditation (regular): $58.50
• Accreditation (reduced/student): $40.95
• Accreditation (study groups): $35.10
• Award Ceremony: $23.40
• DokfestLounge evening program: $5.85 (free with festival pass)
  Additional Info: Accreditation for industry professionals, students, and press is available until November 4, 2025. Festival passes provide access to all screenings, the Monitoring exhibition, and select events. The dok@home streaming platform offers online access to a curated selection of festival films until November 30, 2025.

Cultural Experience

Visitors to Kassel Dokfest can immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of documentary filmmaking and media art. The festival fosters an intimate, community-driven atmosphere where attendees engage with filmmakers and artists through screenings, Q&A sessions, and workshops. Expect thought-provoking discussions on global issues, innovative storytelling, and experimental media. The DokfestLounge hosts evening programs with live music, DJ sets, and networking events, reflecting Kassel’s creative and cultural scene. Traditional Hessian hospitality is evident in the warm, welcoming environment, with local volunteers and organizers enhancing the festival’s charm.

Food & Drinks

Attendees can enjoy Hessian specialties at nearby eateries and festival venues. Must-try dishes include:

• Handkäs mit Musik: A tangy cheese dish served with onions and a vinegar marinade.
• Ahle Wurst: A traditional Hessian sausage, often paired with local bread.
• Apfelwein: A refreshing apple cider, a regional favorite.
  The DokfestLounge offers light snacks and drinks, including local beers and non-alcoholic options, creating a relaxed setting for post-screening discussions.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, with the “junges dokfest” program tailored for younger audiences, featuring age-appropriate films and workshops. DokfestGeneration caters to seniors with curated screenings and discussions. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible venues at Gloria Kino and Filmladen Kassel, as well as captioned screenings for select films. The dok@home online platform ensures broader access for those unable to attend in person.

Getting There

• By Air: The nearest major airports are Frankfurt Airport (FRA, 190 km away) and Hannover Airport (HAJ, 160 km away). From either, take a train to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station.
• By Train: Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe is a major high-speed rail hub with connections via Deutsche Bahn (DB) from Frankfurt, Berlin, and other cities. From the station, local trams and buses connect to the city center.
• By Public Transport: Kassel’s tram and bus network provides easy access to festival venues. The Goethestraße venue is a short walk from the “Am Stern” tram stop.
• By Car: Kassel is accessible via the A7 and A44 motorways. Limited parking is available near festival venues; public parking lots in the city center are recommended.
• Bike/Walking: Kassel is bike-friendly, with rental options available, and most venues are within walking distance of the city center.