A Festival of Global Cinema
Each autumn, Hamburg transforms into a city of film when Filmfest Hamburg rolls out the red carpet. Over the course of ten days, audiences can experience more than one hundred productions from around the world – from arthouse and documentaries to television, shorts, major international premieres and even Oscar contenders. The festival’s diversity is one of its hallmarks, uniting cinephiles and casual filmgoers alike in the city’s cinemas.
Founded more than thirty years ago, Filmfest şÚÁĎŔĎËľ»ú known for its keen eye for talent and its role in launching international careers. Directors such as CĂ©line Sciamma, Yorgos Lanthimos, Sean Baker and Justine Triet first appeared here with early films and have since returned to present new works. Just as important as the films themselves are the conversations they inspire – between filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.
Awards and Honours
A broad range of awards celebrates creative excellence across genres. The MICHEL Film Award, presented by a children’s jury, honours the best in youth cinema, while the NDR Young Talent Award highlights promising new directors. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung recognises political filmmaking, and the Hamburg Film Critics present their own accolade. The coveted Douglas Sirk Award is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to international film culture – past recipients include Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, and Jim Jarmusch.
Prize money and distribution support ensure that many of the winning films go on to reach a wider audience, reinforcing Hamburg’s role as a hub for film culture.
Industry Days and Innovation
Alongside its public programme, Filmfest Hamburg has become a key meeting point for the international film industry. The Industry Days bring together producers, distributors, and innovators for panels, case studies, and networking. A highlight is the EXPLORER Konferenz, which invites speakers from the creative industries and technology sectors to discuss leadership, storytelling, and the future of cinema in the digital age. Artificial intelligence, immersive media, and equitable international co-production are just some of the themes shaping debate in recent years.
This professional strand strengthens Hamburg’s position as a gateway between German and global film cultures, providing fertile ground for collaboration.
Accessible, Diverse and Unifying
True to its motto of being a festival “for everyone”, Filmfest Hamburg continues to introduce initiatives that open cinema to a broader public. Since 2024, 3 October – German Unity Day – has been marked as Free Admission Day, offering audiences the chance to attend screenings across the festival’s main cinemas at no cost. The accompanying “Filmfest ums Eck” programme also brings the red carpet to neighbourhood cinemas across the city, celebrating Hamburg’s strong local film culture.
In addition, accessibility is a priority, with many screenings offering barrier-free versions for visually and hearing-impaired audiences via dedicated apps.
To discover full details of the programme, screenings, and industry events, visit the .
Dates:
25 September - 4 October 2024
Locations:
Abaton, Cinemaxx Dammtor, Metropolis, Passage, Studio-Kino
