Cinematic, auteur-driven, distinctive. ARTE's documentary flagship. Exceptional dramaturgy and personal signature. Wide thematic range — from the intimate to the geopolitical. Cinematic in the best sense: these films belong on the big screen and on television equally. Bold, idiosyncratic, unmistakable.
●Innovative documentary forms and storytelling approaches
What this format does NOT want
●Conventional TV documentaries without cinematic ambition
●Talking-head formats or expert-knowledge delivery
●Commissioned work without auteur signature
●Short formats or series episodes
●Tabloid or sensationalist treatment
●Films without cinematic quality
Visual expectations
Cinema quality is a prerequisite. Distinctive visual signature of the auteur. Cinematic visual language, considered framing, lighting design. The film must carry visually even without commentary. Reference: festival documentaries (Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, IDFA). No TV aesthetics.
Expected exposé structure
Title (strong, distinctive)
Logline (2–3 sentences: core of the film)
Synopsis / treatment as cinematic narrative
Director's statement / auteur intention
Visual and narrative strategy
Access to protagonists and locations
Reference films and festival strategy
Director filmography and production company
Example productions
Kreuzweg — Stations of the Cross
Ai Weiwei — Human Flow
Buena Vista Social Club
Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed (Restaurierung)
Welcome to Sodom — Dein Smartphone ist schon hier
Editorial notes
The flagship of ARTE's documentary programming. Wednesday slot for the major documentary film. Auteur signature is the central criterion — the director and their vision are paramount. Festival potential and theatrical release are a plus. Wide thematic range, no content restrictions. But: cinematic quality must be outstanding. 90-minute format enables depth and narrative complexity.
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