Still: Mariinka by Pieter-Jan De Pue

In the VIKTORIA DOK.international Main Competition, Mariinka by Pieter-Jan De Pue has been selected. The film is co-produced by the Netherlands-based Submarine. Set in war-torn Ukraine, Mariinka follows four orphaned brothers struggling to find purpose amid the chaos of their hometown. As they encounter other war victims, their stories reveal both the deep scars of conflict and the enduring strength of family and community. The film previously opened CPH:DOX. SEE NL spoke to Dutch co-producer Sasja Opdam about the film. Read the article here.

Also selected for competition is Paikar** by Dawood Hilmandi, part of the VIKTORIA DOK.horizonte – Cinema of Urgency Competition. Produced by BALDR Film, the documentary follows an Afghan-Dutch filmmaker who, after fleeing his home as a boy, returns years later to confront his father and reflect on the meaning of freedom. Paikar previously premiered at IDFA and was also selected for Hot Docs. Nick Cunningham spoke to the director for Business Doc Europe. Read the article here.

Further Dutch productions are included across the festival’s thematic sections:

Between Brothers** by Tom Fassaert, produced by Een van de jongens, follows two elderly brothers—one a psychologist, the other a lifelong psychiatric patient—as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their father’s disappearance. Joined by filmmaker Tom Fassaert, they embark on a tragicomic road trip that explores the roots of their inseparable bond. The film had its world premiere at IFFR. SEE NL spoke to Fassaert about the film on the Ferry to Eye Filmmuseum. Watch the interview here.

Outliving Shakespeare** by Inna Sahakyan is a Dutch co-production with BIND. Set in a decaying Soviet-era retirement home, the film portrays a vibrant group of elderly residents who cling to life by staging Shakespeare. The documentary previously screened at IDFA.

Finally, Fragments of Belonging by Tatjana Božić is presented as a Dutch co-production with LEWA Productions (Croatia). The film follows a personal journey of integration, as the filmmaker navigates life in the Netherlands while trying to build a future for her son.

Find out more about DOK.fest München here.