MDAG Industry brings together Polish filmmakers with international representatives from the world of cinema. This year’s program offers a true backstage pass to the documentary world—crafted in response to the current needs of the audiovisual market, following trends, anticipating changes, and embracing innovation. It all began in 2021 with a single event. Since 2022, we've expanded into a full-fledged industry module under the MDAG Industry banner, growing in scale with each edition. MDAG Industry will take place from May 8–12 in the beautiful interiors of The State Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw.
SEE FULL MDAG INDUSTRY PROGRAM
MDAG Industry is organized in cooperation with CANAL+ Polska.
The section is co-financed by the Polish Film Institute.
It continues to develop thanks to the Creative Europe MEDIA program.
Co-financed with funds from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage as part of the program: Centrum Rozwoju Przemysłów Kreatywnych: Rozwój Sektorów Kreatywnych
MDAG Industry’s partners include: the State Ethnographic Museum, the Polish Filmmakers Association, SMAKJAM, SoundMind, the Polish Chamber of Audiovisual Producers, the Institute of Documentary Film, the Andrzej Wajda Centre for Film Culture, Papaya Films, Visioni dal Mondo, Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Doc Alliance, CPH:DOX, EAVE, IMS, Coconaut, and Toyota Radość.
We’re thrilled to announce that the International Documentary Festival Visioni dal Mondo has joined our festival partners. Thank you!
THURSDAY, MAY 8
KIPA Breakfast
The KIPA Breakfast is a networking initiative developed in cooperation with the Documentary Film Producers Section and the Young Producers Section of the Polish Chamber of Audiovisual Producers (KIPA). It's an opportunity to connect with key players from leading film organizations, production companies, sales and distribution experts, and filmmakers. Organized by: Polish Chamber of Audiovisual Producers
6th Documentary Film Forum for Young Audiences
Join us for the 6th edition of the Documentary Film Forum for Young Audiences. We’ll present the concept behind the “SKOK W DOK” program and showcase eight projects from its fourth edition, along with two international projects. We’ll also explore the creative process behind the film *King Matt the First*, which will premiere at MDAG, and present insights from Czech Television regarding youth programming. The Forum is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and build a support network for Polish documentary films for younger viewers.
Organized by: Andrzej Wajda Centre for Film Culture
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Progress Pitching Session + Keynote Speech by Mette Hoffmann Meyer
The pitching session aims to leverage the expertise of our festival guests and create a space where bold, creative documentary projects with international potential can take root. It’s a chance to discover films in all stages of development—from concept to post-production—seeking co-production and distribution opportunities. Selected finalists will pitch their projects to both Polish and international film industry professionals.
The session will open with a keynote speech by Mette Hoffmann Meyer: *The Unpredictable World*, moderated by Martijn te Pas. Event partners: Polish Film Institute, CANAL+ Polska, Polish Filmmakers Association, SMAKJAM, SoundMind, Institute of Documentary Film, CPH:DOX, EAVE, IMS, Visioni dal Mondo
Discover the Selected Projects
Panel: International Documentary Co-Productions – Opportunity or Challenge?
This panel will explore funding options, legal aspects, cultural differences, and strategies for building partnerships with international collaborators. Our expert speakers—including producers from Poland and abroad and representatives of international film institutions—will share their experiences and practical advice. Topics include: How can you collaborate effectively across borders? What are the key challenges and benefits of international co-productions?
Moderated by: Ola Salwa. Speakers: Katarzyna Kuczyńska (Haka Films), Anders Bruus (DR), Sara Yamashita Rüster (Swedish Film Institute). Supported by: Polish Chamber of Audiovisual Producers, Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission
Lecture: Global Stories, Local Audiences – Co-Production and Distribution Opportunities for European Documentaries in Korea and Asia
As European documentary filmmakers and producers increasingly turn their attention to Korea and the broader Asian market, this lecture will provide an overview of the current landscape. It will present funding opportunities, strategic approaches to international collaboration, key industry platforms and festivals, as well as the unique challenges and benefits of navigating the documentary sector in Korea and Asia.
Speaker: KIM Young Woo
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SATURDAY, MAY 11
Short Pitch Program
A pitching session featuring five short documentary projects from Central and Eastern Europe, selected by the Czech Institute of Documentary Film and MDAG. The projects are at various stages of development—from rough cut to completed films. Prior to the pitch, participants will receive mentoring from experts to refine their presentations, followed by one-on-one meetings with decision-makers.
Organized by: Institute of Documentary Film and Millennium Docs Against Gravity. Moderator: Emilia Mazik
Discover the Selected Projects
The Short Documentary Market in a Nutshell, Festivals, Markets, and Industry Tips
This interactive workshop is tailored for film students and early-career filmmakers. Focused on short documentaries, it will answer key questions such as:
- How can you ensure visibility for your film (distribution, submission platforms, premiere status, working with distributors)?
- How do festivals really work (selection criteria, programming committees, participating in festivals, best practices and common mistakes)?
Speakers: Emilia Mazik, Mathieu Janssen. In partnership with: Institute of Documentary Film
Anti-Masterclass with Mark Cousins
Mark Cousins is one of the most prolific contemporary documentary filmmakers. His works have been presented at the world’s top film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Toronto. In addition to the Mark Cousins retrospective, we invite you to a special session that reimagines the concept of a masterclass. This unconventional event will delve into core themes found in Cousins’ work. We’ll analyze visual storytelling, exploring how different frames can convey multiple layers and emotional tones. A key focus will also be on the art of storytelling—both in choosing a subject and constructing a compelling narrative.
Led by: Karol Piekarczyk, MDAG Artistic Director
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Pole Position – Pitching
This experimental pitching session showcases completed Polish films featured in the 22nd edition of Millennium Docs Against Gravity. These short presentations are designed to encourage international guests to watch the films, consider programming them at their festivals, or explore distribution options. A unique chance for filmmakers to spark interest in their finished projects, already making their festival rounds.
Moderated by: Zofia Jaroszuk
Creating Immersive Audio in Documentary, Masterclass with Nicolas Becker and Peter Albrechtsen
A masterclass led by renowned sound designers Peter Albrechtsen and Nicolas Becker, creators of the evocative soundscape in “Viktor” (dir. Olivier Sarbil). This special session is a deep dive into the artistic and technical challenges of sound design in documentaries—specifically for a protagonist who cannot hear.
The speakers will share their creative process and demonstrate how they crafted an immersive sound experience that conveys both the absence and presence of sound. Through scene breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and technical demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how sound shapes storytelling in documentaries and reflects subjective perception.
Location: Fryderyk Chopin University of Music. In partnership with: Polish Filmmakers Association
Social Sustainability in European Film Production: Toward a Diverse and Ethical Ecosystem
This workshop explores the intersection of social and environmental sustainability in the European film industry. Participants will examine how these areas interconnect and develop strategies for effectively implementing sustainable practices in film production. The workshop offers a platform for discussion, sharing best practices, and crafting concrete plans to strengthen sustainability efforts across the sector. By addressing both environmental impact and social responsibility, the goal is to promote a holistic approach to sustainable filmmaking in Europe.
Speaker: Fatih Abay
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MONDAY, MAY 13
MDAG VISION – XR DAY – Xtended Pitch
For the first time, MDAG Industry presents XR (Extended Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and VR (Virtual Reality) projects at various stages of production. Carefully selected projects—blurring genre boundaries and exploring new storytelling forms—have been prepared under the guidance of experienced tutors.
A unique opportunity to discover cutting-edge projects that may redefine how we experience art, education, and documentary filmmaking.
Moderated by: Georgy Molodtsov
AI & Me: Judged by Algorithms
As part of MDAG VISION, join us for a special session with the creators of “AI & Me”, a multi-part interactive XR installation exploring human–AI interaction. Creators Daniela Nedovescu and Octavian Mot will lead a conversation on artificial intelligence, its impact on self-perception, and the boundaries of machine influence on our image of ourselves. Learn more about the development of this unique XR experience and the challenges of creating interactive installations in the age of AI.
Speakers: Daniela Nedovescu and Octavian Mot
Round table consultations
Round table consultations are an intimate networking format where participants sit down with experts to discuss a selected industry topic. It's a great opportunity to ask questions, get practical advice, and share your own experiences. These informal meetings foster knowledge exchange and help build valuable connections. Each session lasts one hour, allowing for in-depth small-group conversations. Participation is available to accredited industry guests, and this year’s expert lineup includes:
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Jan Rofekamp – Discuss pre-sales strategies in the documentary film industry and learn how to best prepare your project for the international market.
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Mark Edwards – Gain insight into how to successfully reach broadcasters – ask your questions and discover proven approaches.
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Anas Khelawy (Al Jazeera) – Find out about funding opportunities from Al Jazeera and how to best pitch your project to the channel.
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Anne Rethfeldt (DAE) – Take the chance to learn more about the Documentary Association of Europe and the support it offers to documentary professionals.
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Francesco Bizzarri (Visioni Dal Mondo Festival) – A conversation focused on the Italian co-production landscape and possibilities of collaborating with the Visioni Dal Mondo festival.
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Marek Hovorka (Ji.hlava IDFF) – Explore Ji.hlava’s industry initiatives, including the Emerging Producers program, and get answers to all your questions about this renowned festival.
IMPORTANT: Registration is required and the number of seats for each session is limited. Registration via book.mdag.pl starting from May 8.
The 22nd MDAG will take place from May 9 to 18, 2025, in cinemas in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Bydgoszcz, and Łódź, and from May 20 to June 2 online at mdag.pl! The festival’s title sponsor is Bank Millennium. (https://www.bankmillennium.pl/).
