Visions du Réel is one of the only Swiss film festivals to present a majority of its films as world or international premieres. It also offers the unique opportunity to meet the film directors, which are present at each first screening of the films. The Festival is also a stepping stone for new talent. The prestigious Oscars and the European Film Awards academies have opened their doors to films screened at Visions du Réel. Alongside a very varied programme, the Festival also offers masterclasses, debates with film directors, meetings with professionals and many cultural mediation activities.

The Festival also has a film market, the Doc Outlook – International Market (DOCM), one of the most important in Europe. The DOCM selects and promotes films at every stage of their development and offers a key networking platform for professionals from all around the world.

In addition to the Festival, Visions du Réel On Tour promotes  the cinéma du réel all year long by organising screenings all over Switzerland.