Sections | WATCH DOCS

The most important human rights documentaries produced over the past two years: twelve films that combine social sensitivity with cinematic artistry. Uncompromising cinema that asks the most important questions.

The second edition of WATCH DOCS’ Polish competition. Six outstanding titles not yet screened in Warsaw. Human rights and personal, intimate stories set not only in Poland. And protagonists in whom we can see ourselves.

Films reflecting our relationship with nature. Topics related to humanity’s place in the ecosystem, rising sea levels, or the destruction of the natural environment caused by warfare.

Issues that shape today’s world: the paradoxical mutations of the far right, neurodiversity, propaganda, and conflict resolution. A kaleidoscope of extraordinary characters, cinematic techniques, and themes. Eight brilliant productions, including both discoveries and highlights of the world’s leading festivals.

One of this year’s thematic sections is dedicated to the situation in Palestine. “The Sky Over Palestine” will feature, among others: “On a Mission” – a documentary about a British doctor operating on the wounded under Gaza’s bombardment; “Three Promises” – a rediscovered record of a Palestinian family’s survival while hiding in a basement during the Second Intifada; and “Gaza. Letter from the Past” – a nostalgic portrayal of Gaza from a quarter century ago. The selection is complemented by international films that offer a broader context of the conflict, such as “Israeli Settlers and Louis Theroux,” portraying a community of Zionist extremists, and “The Battle for Campus,” documenting pro-Palestinian student protests in the USA in 2024.

This section seeks new ways of telling stories about contemporary Ukraine. This year’s films focus on lesser-known contexts of the war – such as the Russian occupation of Chernobyl (“Special Operation”), the ecological devastation caused by warfare (“Divia”), or the influence of social media on our perception of the conflict (“Until You Feel Nothing”).

This year, our showcase of European documentary masterpieces focuses on Scandinavia and Finland. The program features a set of short films by Danish visionary Jørgen Leth; two early documentaries by Sweden’s hottest director, Ruben Östlund; a rough, punk portrayal of Finland as we’ve never seen it before – “To Hell! Pictures from Finland” by Jörn Donner; and an anthropological project by Markku Lehmuskallio about the indigenous peoples of the North. The selection is completed by “Raw Youth,” a film by Margreth Olin, shot with Lars von Trier’s blessing, exploring the hardships of growing up in multicultural Norway.

Both of this year’s short film programs impress with their diversity of subjects and techniques. The most interesting short documentaries screened and awarded at festivals in New York, Toronto, and Amsterdam. From the seaside adventures of carefree topless pensioners to a poetic portrayal of a community lost among the marshes of the Euphrates.

The world premiere of Martyna Wojciechowska’s latest documentary, in which the protagonist – an investigative journalist – attempts to uncover a deeply disturbing mystery of child trafficking in Georgian hospitals.

This year’s special festival award will be symbolically presented to Palestinian documentary filmmakers who risk everything to show the world the suffering of their people. The award will be accepted by Kamal Aljafari – the director of “Gaza. Letter from the Past,” which is featured in the festival’s main competition.

A selection of the most fascinating films from past WATCH DOCS editions. Formally impressive experiments and global festival hits. Among them: “Antarctica Calling” – the sequel to the Oscar-winning “March of the Penguins”; the documentary thriller “Antidote,” about an investigative journalist targeted by the KGB; and “The Disconnected” – a humorous story of an Indian Robin Hood who takes electricity from the rich to give it to the poor. Thanks to our partnership with the Player platform, the films can be watched all over Poland. For free.