DOK Leipzig starts crowdfunding for barrier-free films – every euro counts!

DOK Leipzig starts crowdfunding for barrier-free films – every euro counts!

An exciting initiative for barrier-free film offerings is currently being launched in Leipzig. DOK Leipzig, a renowned documentary and animated film festival, launched a crowdfunding campaign on June 26, 2025 to finance up to five films with special audio descriptions and extended German subtitles. Festival director Christoph Terhechte emphasizes how important a basic program is for people with disabilities. “We would like to create a small but fine range of accessible films,” says Terhechte. The need for support is high because the funding from the Free State of Saxony is expected to disappear completely in 2025, after considerable sums were made available in previous years.

From 2021 to 2023, the festival was able to raise almost 50,000 euros each year for barrier-free offerings. In 2024, the DOK even plans to show 24 films with such versions, 19 of which will have extended subtitles that provide additional information about background noise and film music. In order to reach the targeted 10,000 euros for this year, the crowdfunding campaign will run until August 9, 2025 on the “Leipziger Crowd” platform. So far, over 2,000 euros have already been pledged, but the money is only secure if the donation goal is reached by the end of July.

The importance of accessibility

In recent years, DOK Leipzig has recognized the importance of accessibility in film distribution. Various program items are specifically designed for people with disabilities, and support from civil society is a crucial factor in this. Audio descriptions cost around 4,000 to 5,000 euros per film, while extended subtitles cost around 1,500 euros. In the past, the Saxon state government has supported projects to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which also include the barrier-free film versions at the DOK. The festival summer will continue to be celebrated and made visible through the sums raised so far and the commitment of the supporters.

The current decline in financial support from the Free State has meant that the DOK can only show the barrier-free versions that are provided directly by film teams. Terhechte emphasizes that despite the reversal of cuts, the financial situation remains critical given rising costs. “We have to think about how we can guarantee accessibility,” he says. This shows how important the crowdfunding initiative is for the future of the festival and the accessibility of the film offering.

A look at the festival

The DOK Leipzig will be bringing numerous international documentaries and animated films to the screen from October 27th to November 2nd, 2025. Around 250 films and extended reality (XR) works will be presented this week. Supporters of the festival have the opportunity to donate any amount and receive small rewards such as festival posters or advertising presence on the website. The organizers are confident that the people of Leipzig will support this important project and thus contribute to promoting accessibility in the cultural sector, which is a fundamental human right.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the campaign or make a contribution can find all the information on the “Leipziger Crowd” platform. We're staying tuned and looking forward to seeing how the initiative develops!

For more information and latest updates, visit the articles on MDR, LAG Self-Help Saxony and Leipzig Internet newspaper.