DOK Leipzig 2020: The films in competition

They don't wear a headscarf. They train outside, since they don't have access to a gym. Egyptian weightlifters like Asmee (pictured) fight against stereotypes — and achieve astounding results. "Lift Like a Girl" is a feature-length documentary directed by Mayye Zayed. For the film, she spent four years accompanying Captain Ramadan, an aging but charismatic trainer, and his athletes.

Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, is expanding at a furious pace. "Rift Finfinnee" by German director Daniel Kötter explores the edges of the megacity, at the fault lines between rural and urban populations. The documentary offers a polyphonic narrative told through the voices of people subjected to the urbanization of African societies without being consulted.

Among Palestinian insurgents, there are also minors taking part in the Intifada. One of the protagonists in this film is a 12-year-old girl who was arrested while carrying a knife. "Children" is the simple title of the documentary by Israeli filmmaker and journalist Ada Ushpiz. The director accompanied Palestinian families for years, allowing an intimate portrayal of the situation.

During the Six-Day War in 2000, the violent confrontations between Rwandan and Ugandan army troops in the Congolese city of Kinsangani made thousands of civilian victims. They have been waiting for compensation for 20 years. In "Downstream to Kinshasa," documentary filmmaker Dieudo Hamadi, who witnessed this war himself as a child, follows a march of the disabled who demand justice.

The Russian traveling circus portrayed in this film is called "Joy," but life behind the scenes is rather harsh, with jealousies, as well as small and large atrocities, affecting everyday life. In her debut, director Daria Slyusarenko combines humor and tragedy to portray four people and their unique experiences in the circus world.

Grandma Berta dedicated her entire life to running her inn — which is now on the verge of ruin. Her granddaughter Monika decides to take over the highly indebted family business. Documentary filmmaker Hannah Schweier accompanies her sister Monika during her first year tackling the seemingly impossible project. Along the way, they gain unexpected insight into their family history.

Like other film festivals facing the coronavirus pandemic, DOK Leipzig also offers a hybrid program — though most of the events are held online. Beyond streamed films, virtual discussions with directors will contribute to creating a bit of a festival atmosphere from October 26 to November 1.