ARD Documentary Film Competition 2021

ARD is looking for a creative and innovative documentary highlight. Producers are invited to submit their concepts and ideas by 15 July!

In 2021, the German public-service broadcaster ARD is inviting entries for a documentary film competition for the tenth time. The competition is looking for an innovative film project that addresses a politically and socially relevant topic, has a clear connection to Germany and can also have international relevance.

The 90-minute film should stand out due to its in-depth research, exclusive approach and extraordinary and creative handwriting.

TV producers based in Germany are invited to submit proposals by 15 July 2021. Proposals that have already been submitted to one or more ARD houses for consideration will be excluded from this competition.

The participating broadcasters of the ARD network support the realisation of the winning project with a sum of up to 250,000 euros (gross); for production costs exceeding this sum, a financing plan must be enclosed with the submission.

The five projects selected by the jury will be officially invited by 15 September 2021 at the latest to publicly present their concepts and a powerful trailer at the 64th Leipzig International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film on 27 October 2021. The winner of the competition will be announced on the same evening in Leipzig.