We would like to thank all documentary creators for their continued interest in DMZ Docs Industry and for applying to the DMZ Docs Production Pitch.
This year’s
call for entries ran from May 27 to June 15, and we received a total of 140
submissions — 68 from Korea and 72 from across Asia — representing 37 countries. We are
pleased to announce that 7 Korean projects and 8 Asian projects have been
selected for this year’s Production Pitch. Once again, we sincerely appreciate all
those who took the time to share their work with us.
*Change in
Korean Production Pitch Line-up
Due to a withdrawal request from one of the previously selected projects, the final line-up has been updated as below.
■ 2025 DMZ
Docs Industry Production Pitch – Selected Projects (15)
Korea (7)
|
Name |
Director |
Country |
|
The
places in her story |
LEE
Sukgyung |
Korea |
|
Plaster
Cast Drawing |
WON
Taewoong |
Korea |
|
Sprouted
potato lives on |
YANG
Dayeon |
Korea |
|
The
Care Between Us |
OH
jae hyeong |
Korea |
|
Our
Bodies |
LEE-KIL
Bora |
Korea |
|
Our
Waves |
JANG
Min-kyung |
Korea |
|
*The Return of Forgotten Words |
JUNG Su Eun |
Korea |
2025 DMZ
Docs Production Pitch (Korea) Selection Jury
LEE Soojung | Director
CHOI
Woo-young | Producer, Director
JANG
Byungwon | DMZ International Documentary Film Festival Senior Programmer
2025 DMZ
Docs Production Pitch (Korea) Overall
Evaluation
We would like
to express our sincerest gratitude to those documentary creators who submitted
their projects for the DMZ Docs Industry Production Pitch. Even amidst martial law, impeachment, and political turmoil, it was a
pleasure to see those who are actively engaged in spreading the stories of our
society. There has been a remarkable increase in submissions ranging from
emerging to mid-career filmmakers, and thus this year’s selection process was
more competitive than ever, requiring our extensive discussion and careful
consideration.
Thus,
considering the nature of the Production Pitch, priority was given to
those who have moved beyond the initial concept phase, with clearer direction
and structure, and strong potential to develop further toward completion.
Additionally, we considered the stage of production and fairness in production
support, including the level of completion and funding needs.
Due to limited
slots, we extend our deepest encouragement and respect to many excellent
submissions that, despite their merit, were not selected.
Once again,
thank you to all creators who continue to expand the world of documentary films
through their own aesthetics and spirit of experimentation even in challenging
circumstances, and further strive to build a better world through their works.
Asia (7)
|
Name |
Director |
Country |
|
Floating House |
Liu Shubo |
China |
|
Game of Replacing Gods |
An Chu |
Taiwan |
|
Ghost of the Currents |
Patiparn Boontarig |
Thailand |
|
Shape of Silence |
Varun Trikha |
Canada, Estonia, India |
|
The People Outside |
Jewel Maranan |
Philippines |
|
The Way We Were |
Ka Ki Wong |
Hong Kong,
Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom |
|
Untitled Project from Yemen |
Mariam Al-Dhubhani |
Yemen, Qatar, Norway, France |
ICHCAP Fund (1)
|
Name |
Director |
Country |
|
Balouch
Voices |
Mohammad
Ehsani |
Iran |
2025 DMZ
Docs Production Pitch (Asia) Selection Jury
Bridget
O'Shea | European
Documentary Network (DAE) co-founder
Gugi
Gumilang | Docs By The Sea (DBTS) Program Director
Kang Jinseok
| DMZ International Documentary Film Festival Programmer
2025 DMZ
Docs Production Pitch (Asia) Overall
Evaluation
After extensive
deliberation evaluating all 72 submissions, we are pleased to announce the
seven exceptional projects selected for DMZ production support. These chosen
works represent a diversity of voices and storytelling approaches from across
Asia, spanning seven countries and territories including Taiwan, China,
Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Yemen, and India. Each project demonstrates
distinctive cinematic vision while addressing compelling contemporary themes
that resonate both locally and internationally. We were particularly impressed
by the directors' innovative approaches to exploring complex social, political,
and cultural narratives through their unique regional perspectives. The
geographic spread and thematic range of these selections reflect our commitment
to supporting varied storytelling that challenges conventional boundaries. We
wish each project a fruitful and catalysing experience pitching at DMZ Docs.