Visions du Réel offers a moment of suspended time in which to bridge human divides through the medium of cinema. This is the very role of a festival, and of culture more broadly, which, then as now, must be relentlessly promoted and defended, in Switzerland and elsewhere, precisely in the name of everything it helps to build, or deconstruct.
International Feature Film Competition
The International Feature Film Competition celebrates the best of contemporary non-fiction filmmaking, in all its originality and eclecticism.
Burning Lights Competition
Burning Lights is an international competition of feature films dedicated to novel, free, adventurous and contemporary perspectives in cinema.
National Competition
Dedicated to feature-length and medium-length films (co)produced in Switzerland, the National Competition showcases the tremendous diversity and excellence of Swiss production.
International Medium Length & Short Film Competition
The International Short and Medium Length Film Competition celebrates the best of shorter formats in contemporary non-fiction filmmaking, in all their originality and eclecticism.
Wide Angle
Wide Angle is a competitive section of feature films that have already won over audiences at other festivals or that will mark the coming year.
Opening Scenes
Dedicated to the best contemporary emerging directors, the Opening Scenes competition presents 15 first short films or student films.
Highlights
Highlights is a non-competitive section of feature-length films which presents a selection of the selection committee’s “must-see” films.
Special Screenings
A selection of films presented out of competition: works with specific formats, films directed by members of the official juries, series, and homages.
Doc Alliance Selection
A selection of films amongst the ones nominated by the seven Doc Alliance festival partners.
Raoul Peck
Guest of Honour 2025
Raoul Peck’s participation in the next edition of the Festival will include a masterclass and a retrospective of his documentaries.
Corneliu Porumboiu
Special Guest 2025
Corneliu Porumboiu’s appearance at the next edition of the Festival will be celebrated with a masterclass and a retrospective of all his feature length works.
Cláudia Varejão
Atelier 2025
Cláudia Varejão will be taking part in the next edition of the Festival with a masterclass and a retrospective of her films.