Context

The overarching aim has been twofold:  

1) Structural and Strategic Development and  

2) Responding to Contemporary Societal Challenges.  

Significant strides have been made in various project areas, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Theory of Change (ToC). A notable achievement was initiating the development of a comprehensive long-term organizational strategy. This process involved inclusive and participatory workshops, leading to a draft strategy presented to the Board members of DokuFest. Their extensive feedback, resonating with the ToC's emphasis on inclusivity, culminated in an additional workshop, resulting in a refined strategy draft discussed and approved at the Assembly meeting on May 20th, 2023.  

The thematic film programs in the Festival and Cinema, focusing on democracy, human rights, gender equality, non-discrimination, climate change, and media literacy, have effectively addressed contemporary societal challenges. These initiatives are in line with the objective of merging arts and culture with relevant social issues.  

International cooperation and skill development have also been key achievements. Collaborations with prestigious festivals like Cannes and Berlinale, a strengthened relationship with the Swedish Film Institute, the permanent presence at the Nordisk Panorama festival and the engagement of junior staff in these international events underscore this success. Furthermore, the ToC's aim to support local talent and storytellers in producing and distributing local stories to international festivals has been realized through the grant scheme and the engagement of international mentors.  

The educational program's progress aligns with the ToC's objective to build the capacities of teachers and educators in using film as an educational tool. This initiative fosters critical discussions on democracy and human rights within society. The initiation of signing the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Education Science Technology and Innovation exemplifies the project's commitment to this goal.  

The festival's return to a full in-person edition has enabled the realization of the ToC's objective to provide a platform for diverse activities promoting dialogue and inclusion, connecting professionals, young talents, and children within the community.  

In the context of Kosovo's evolving political, economic, and sociocultural landscape, DokuFest's strategic plan for 2024-2028 is designed to leverage these dynamics to enhance its impact and sustainability. The plan outlines a multifaceted approach to foster a vibrant cinematic culture in Kosovo, promote dialogue on societal issues, and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.  

The Festival Program aims to establish DokuFest as a premier platform for documentary and short films, focusing on talent nurturing, international collaborations, sustainability advocacy, and audience engagement. It is dedicated to diversity, human rights, and social justice, with the goal of establishing Prizren as a hub for cultural exchange and dialogue.  

The DokuLab Program is committed to empowering young individuals and filmmakers through comprehensive film education, offering film grants for developing ten films over five years, and distributing documentary films to schools and community screenings. The collaboration with the Lumbardhi Foundation within the Innovation and Training Park (ITP) Prizren is envisioned to expand educational and developmental opportunities in the creative industries.  

A critical aspect of DokuFest's mission is promoting gender equity in cinema. This involves amplifying women's voices and prioritizing films that focus on women’s stories, challenges, and triumphs, thereby challenging societal norms and stereotypes. This commitment extends beyond programming to fostering a culture of inclusivity within the festival's structure and outreach, providing resources, platforms, and mentorship to female filmmakers.  

An integral part of DokuFest's commitment to inclusivity and societal dialogue is the introduction of a dedicated program for senior citizens in Prizren and Prishtina. This initiative, as part of our social cinema, involves periodic screenings and discussions that are specially curated to resonate with older audiences. By focusing on themes that encourage community building and facilitate shared experiences in relation to the film topics, this program aims to engage senior citizens in meaningful cultural and social interactions. This not only enriches their social lives but also strengthens intergenerational connections within the community, reflecting DokuFest's vision of fostering a dynamic and inclusive cinematic culture that spans all ages and backgrounds.  

Key strategic pillars include geographical expansion, enhanced internal communication, community engagement, talent development, sustainability and self-funding, cultural dialogue and interethnic cooperation, environmental sustainability, and digitalization and technological advancement. Each of these pillars is integral to and empowering female filmmakers with resources, platforms, and mentorship.  

In summary, the past two and a half years have been a period of significant growth and development for DokuFest, laying a solid foundation for the next five-year period. The strategic plan for 2024-2028 is a testament to this progress, reflecting a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant cinematic culture, amplifying women’s voices in cinema, engaging in dialogues on gender equality, promoting societal dialogue, and nurturing future filmmaking talent in Kosovo.