For years the media have described Leipzig as the largest and easily the most important documentary film festival (founded in 1955). It is also being increasingly portrayed as a first-rate address for animations. And in 2004, 47th Leipzig Edition lived up to its reputation once again: more than 24,000 visitors came to join the festival.

The festival has three competitions (international documentary, animation and german documentary), besides focueses on retrospectives, up-and-coming talents, workshops, special screenings, industry events and prizes with a total value of 47.500 Euro.