Farewell after 40th DOK.fest München: Daniel Sponsel becomes President of HFF

The long-time director of DOK.fest München, Daniel Sponsel, will take over the presidency of the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF) on 1 October 2025. Bavaria's Minister of Science and the Arts, Markus Blume, appointed him as the future president of the university this week. He will succeed Professor Bettina Reitz. As planned, Daniel Sponsel will direct the upcoming anniversary edition of DOK.fest München together with Adele Kohout. The 40th DOK.fest München will take place from 7 to 18 May in cinemas and from 12 to 25 May digitally @home.

Daniel Sponsel: ‘In September 2009, I joined DOK.fest München having previously been an at the HFF Munich. After almost 16 intensive and successful years with the festival team, I have now come full circle. I am delighted to be returning to my roots in the film industry in this new role and to be actively involved in shaping the future of the university. First of all, I am fully committed and looking forward to the preparation and realisation of the 40th DOK.fest München.’

The Board of the Munich International Documentary Film Festival Association, represented by Klaus Blanc, Moritz Holfelder and Michael Augustin, warmly congratulates Daniel Sponsel on his appointment. The great international success of the festival owes a great deal to his expertise and tireless commitment.

The necessary steps for the succession process for Daniel Sponsel will be initiated promptly. Adele Kohout, the current Deputy Managing Director and Co-Director, has our full confidence for the future development of the festival, ensuring continuity and stability.

The 40th edition of the festival will celebrate its opening on 7 May 2025 at the Deutsches Theater. We will publish initial information on the programme, sections, and key themes on 11 March 2025.

Klaus Blanc, Moritz Holfelder, Michael Augustin
Board of the Munich International Documentary Film Festival Association