DOK Leipzig unveils next festival director

Aleksandra ‘Ola’ Staszel is to take over from Christoph Terhechte as festival director of DOK Leipzig and managing director of Leipziger Dok-Filmwochen.

She takes up the role on January 1 2026, with Terhechte’s tenure ending at the German documentary festival on January 31 2026, two years earlier than planned, for personal reasons.

Staszel is currently the director of the German-Polish-Czech Neisse Film Festival. Her new role will initially be limited to five years, as is customary for such positions in the city of Leipzig.

A selection committee made the appointment, led by Skadi Jennicke, the city’s mayor for arts and culture, and also including Terhechte. The appointment will be ratified by city council vote on October 29.

“In Ola Staszel, the city of Leipzig will gain a general manager for DOK who brings with her a broad artistic vision as well as considerable experience in the documentary film industry and a thoughtful approach to it,” said Jennicke. ”Additionally, Ms Staszel is known for focusing on Eastern European topics in her work to date. This will prominently carry forward an emphasis that the DOK Leipzig Film Festival has traditionally had with a view to current social challenges.”

The next edition of DOK Leipzig runs from October 27-November 2.

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