7 film festivals: curtain up, film on!

Berlinale: the world of film in Germany's capital

Berlinale ©Adobe Stock (Achim Wagner)

The Berlinale is more than just a film festival – it's a magnet for film fans, directors and industry insiders from all over the world. For ten days every year in February, Berlin is transformed into the centre of the international film scene. From gripping blockbusters and innovative arthouse films to groundbreaking works by up-and-coming talents: the Berlinale offers a diverse programme that makes every cinema lover's heart beat faster. In addition to the film screenings, premieres, panel discussions and special events attract visitors to German cinemas.

goEast Filmfestival in Wiesbaden: what makes Eastern Europe tick

Once a year since 2001, Eastern Europe has moved very close to the Hessian state capital. After all, the week-long festival at the start of the year celebrating Central and Eastern European film transforms Wiesbaden into a centre of cultural exchange, both in the cinemas and in many other (quite unexpected) places in the Rhine-Main region. In addition to films, panels and workshops as well as virtual reality and 360-degree projects provide insights into the everyday lives of our European neighbours.

Bonn International Silent Film Festival: enough without words

International Silent Film Festival in Bonn ©Förderverein Filmkultur Bonn e.V. (Salah Nassan)

You can say a lot and spark great enthusiasm even without words. This is proven anew every August by the works created by professionals and amateur filmmakers and accompanied by live music at the International Silent Film Festival, Europe's best-attended event of its kind. Technology of the past? As if! The films and music are not only played in the university's arcade courtyard, but also on their website and social media.

Short Film Festival Cologne: condensed poetry in the cinema

Brevity is the spice of life! That's why the Cologne Short Film Festival , which began in 2006, likes to call itself simply KFFK. It goes without saying that no epics flicker across the screen during that week in November – which has its advantages. Firstly, there's less pressure to make a decision, as visitors have time to watch a number of the 100 or so entries in the documentary, fiction and animation categories. Secondly, there's more time for a chat with the filmmakers afterwards. Which doesn't have to be as short...

Kassel Dokfest: bright (film) moments in the grey of November

Kassel Dokfest Monitoring ©Kasseler Dokfest (Nicolas Wefers)

This internationally-orientated festival , which has been held since 1982, is characterised by its extravagant mix of short and long documentary films as well as artistic experimental productions. In addition to the 250 or so cinematic works that are screened over the six days of the festival in November, the multifaceted concept packs in even more: media installations, practical lectures and workshops as well as several specialist conferences.

Nippon Connection Film Festival: Japan makes it big in Frankfurt

Where is the world's largest festival for Japanese films held? No, not in Japan – in Germany! This is handy for fans of Japan, saving them a flight ticket, as the six-day Nippon Connection Film Festival that takes place in spring offers a different form of cultural exchange. Around 100 short films, documentaries, animated films and feature films made in Japan (or by Japanese people) take centre stage, but it also offers a great supporting programme: tea ceremonies, cooking courses, lectures, concerts and more.

Nordic Film Days, Lübeck: Scandinavia does more than just thrillers!

Northern Film Days Lübeck ©LTM (Olaf Malzahn)

True to its name, the festival , which has been held since 1956, puts the North (of Europe) centre stage more than anywhere else, in terms of themes as well as actors and settings. As expected, this international event presents the latest feature films, documentaries and short films at the beginning of November and exchanges ideas at seminars, discussion panels and exhibitions – with industry insiders and with visitors. People from the South are also allowed!