About Tempo Documentary Festival
Founded in 1998, Tempo Documentary Festival is Sweden’s largest and most cross-disciplinary festival dedicated to documentary storytelling – across all formats. Documentary film, audio, photography, performing arts, VR, and other artistic expressions come together in a unique and innovative program.
For one week in March, we take over Stockholm’s cinemas, theatres, galleries, clubs, and unexpected venues with documentary experiences from around the world. The program ranges from acclaimed international feature films to experimental works, with a strong focus on artistic quality, urgent topics, and diversity in expression and perspective.
A space for dialogue and new perspectives
We believe in the power of documentary to connect, move, and spark conversation. Through screenings, director talks, and discussions, we place stories in a social context – offering depth, reflection, and dialogue. The documentary becomes a way to navigate and better understand the world around us.
The hub for Swedish documentary
Tempo is a key meeting place for the Swedish documentary industry. Through seminars, masterclasses, pitch forums, and talent programs like Tempo Meet Up, we support the artistic and professional development of documentary creators. Many of Sweden’s most prominent documentarians took their first steps with us.
Our work continues throughout the year with a range of initiatives, including Landet runt – a two-year project funded by the Swedish Postcode Foundation and the Swedish Film Institute, bringing documentary screenings and conversations to communities across Sweden. Each October, we also present Tiny Tempo, a documentary festival for and about children and young people.
Tempo Documentary Festival is run by a non-profit, politically and religiously independent association.