Verzió DocPro 2025

The professional and educational program of the Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival returns again this year! Between November 12–16, DocPro welcomes everyone interested in the world of documentary film — from professionals to students and general audiences. The aim of Verzió DocPro is to create space for connection, exchange, and inspiration within the documentary community. Over five days, the program explores both current professional issues and broader topics that engage the public, through panels, masterclasses, and presentations.

Saturday, November 15: An industry weekend for everyone — not only for professionals! (CEU Budapest, 1051 Budapest, Nádor u. 15, Auditorium A)

 

 

15 November - 2:00PM 90' CEU - Auditorium A

The Representation of the War in Ukraine in Documentaries and Social Media MASTERCLASS & PANEL

Participants: Péter Horányi (film journalist, Verzió curator), Ewan Waddell (director, The Longer You Bleed), Liubov Dyvak (producer, The Longer You Bleed)

Since its outbreak in 2022, the war in Ukraine has become one of the most visually documented events of our time. This masterclass explores the recurring motifs and visual characteristics of contemporary documentaries about the war, focusing especially on citizen witnessing — how civilians who record and share images online become active participants in documenting conflict. The discussion also examines how filmmakers integrate these fragmented, internet-based images into broader historical and narrative contexts.

15 November - 4:00PM 90' CEU - Auditorium A

Youngsters! Cinema! Documentary? PANEL

Participants: Ágnes Garancsi (distributor, Cirkofilm), Fruzsina Vajda (organizer, ELTE Szemle), László Csáki (director), Bálint Révész (director)
Moderator: Szabolcs Szirony (Student Verzió curator, Kinedok Hungary program lead)

How can documentary films be made engaging, accessible, and exciting for younger audiences? Filmmakers, distributors, and festival and film club organizers share their experiences and best practices on how to bring the genre closer to teenagers and young adults, helping them connect emotionally and intellectually to real stories.