We open on October 9 with SONGS OF SLOW BURNING EARTH by Ukrainian director Olha Zhurba. The film premiered at the Venice Biennale in 2024 and has since screened at major international documentary festivals. A remarkable work: aesthetically haunting, it renders the horror of Russia’s war against Ukraine emotionally tangible – without showing a single battle. A film not to be missed.

In November we continue with two screenings. On November 12, in collaboration with the festival ANALOGICA, we present TRAINS by *Maciej J. Drygas. Composed entirely of analog found footage, the work won both the International Competition Award and the Best Editing Prize at IDFA. An intense audiovisual journey that takes us by train through the upheavals of the 20th century.

On November 20 follows VALENTINA E I MUOSTRI by Francesca Scalisi, with cinematography by FAS member Stefania Bona. The film tells the tender story of a young woman’s emancipation in Niscemi, Sicily – a town marked by the US Navy’s MUOS satellite communications system and recurring wildfires. Among its awards are the Special Jury Award in Nyon and the FIPRESCI Award in Leipzig.

On December 11 we close the first half of DOC DAY with ALWAYS by Deming Chen. With his debut film, the Chinese director won the Grand Prize at CPH:DOX and the Best Editing Award in Barcelona. A coming-of-age story full of poetry – both in form and content.

In January, attention turns to the Neustadt Trilogy by Thomas Heise. Between 1992 and 2007, Heise followed the people of Halle-Neustadt, once a socialist model city that after reunification became a symbol of decline. Together, the three films form an unflinching yet deeply human chronicle of Germany’s transformation after 1989 – a work about the fragility of hope in times of upheaval and the roots of social divisions that still resonate today.

On February 19 we present 9-MONTH CONTRACT by Georgian filmmaker Ketevan Vashagashvili. Since its world premiere at CPH:DOX, where it received the Human Rights Award, the film has screened worldwide at festivals including Hot Docs, Sarajevo, Barcelona, and Munich. It tells the story of Zhana, a young mother who becomes a surrogate out of financial necessity – until the consequences become unbearable.

Finally, on March 19, we close the program with SEEDS by Brittany Shayne, winner of the U.S. Competition at Sundance 2025. Her film portrays Black farmers in the American South who, in the face of systemic inequality, fight for their very existence – a moving and politically urgent work.