| The German Films Previews took place in Hanover for the second time this year. From June 28 to July 1, 2026, international buyers and world sales companies gathered in the capital of Lower Saxony at the invitation of German Films to discover the latest German theatrical and arthouse productions for the international market. The event was supported by nordmedia – Film- und Mediengesellschaft Niedersachsen/Bremen. At the 26th edition of the Previews, a total of 57 buyers had the opportunity to discover new films over three days at the Astor Grand Cinema Hannover. On Sunday, June 28, 2026, international film buyers from different parts of the world travelled to Germany. This year’s participants came from several continents, including North and South America, Asia and Europe – from Argentina, Mexico, the United States and Canada to China, Taiwan, Israel and Lebanon, as well as from across Europe, from Spain and the United Kingdom to Estonia. The program offered a diverse selection of films spanning different categories, genres and a wide range of themes. A total of 16 feature-length films were screened. In the Upcoming section, representatives of international sales companies presented 15 new projects. Altogether, 13 world sales companies showcased their latest projects at this year’s German Films Previews. The German Films Previews are among the most important industry events for the international distribution of German theatrical films. They give international buyers the opportunity to discover new productions ahead of their regular theatrical release or international distribution and to connect directly with world sales companies. The program is complemented by networking events and numerous opportunities for personal exchange. The aim is to strengthen the international distribution of German films and foster exchange within the global film industry. German Films has organized the annual event since 2001. Over the course of three days, the Previews provide an ideal setting for effective networking, sales meetings and professional exchange. The event rotates between different cities across Germany, thereby highlighting the diversity of Germany as a film location. In addition to the feature-length film program, which includes fiction, animation and documentary films, the German Films Previews also feature the “Upcoming Films from Germany” section, in which world sales companies can present German film titles that are still in production. | |
| Germany had a strong presence at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, with a total of 22 German productions and co-productions screening across the program. One major highlight was the world premiere of Nader Saeivar’s HIJAMAT in the main Crystal Globe Competition, attended by the director, producers Said Nur Akkus and Ufuk Genc, and numerous cast members including Kida Khodr Ramadan, Jael Cem Ilhan, Nastassja Kinski and Nicolette Krebitz, as well as German Ambassador Peter Reuss. The Horizons section traditionally showcases a selection from outstanding contemporary cinema. This year, it featured twelve German productions and co-productions, including the festival award winners SHAME AND MONEY by Visar Morina, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, YELLOW LETTERS by Ilker Çatak, recipient of the Golden Bear at the Berlinale, and THE DREAMED ADVENTURE by Valeska Grisebach, which received the Jury Prize at Cannes. The industry program included the pitching of Sebastian Fritzsch’s TRAINRIDER at the KVIFF Central Stage. German Films was on site throughout the festival, connecting with filmmakers, cast members and industry professionals. | |
| Germany took center stage at the 37th FIDMarseille, held from July 7 to 12, 2026, as this year’s country in focus at FIDLab, the festival’s international co-production platform. Since 2019, FIDLab has highlighted one country each year, offering selected producers the opportunity to present their work, connect with international industry professionals and explore new possibilities for collaboration. In 2026, the spotlight was on Germany, with producers Julia Cöllen of Fünferfilm, Maximilian Haslberger of Amerikafilm and Linus Günther of Klinkerfilm representing the contemporary German production landscape. As part of the “German Focus”, the three producers presented their current projects and took part in industry discussions with producers, funding institutions, broadcasters, distributors and international sales agents. The program provided a valuable platform for professional exchange and for strengthening connections between German producers and international partners. The German presence also extended to the festival program, where several filmmakers presented their work in person in Marseille, including Amin Motallebzadeh with EAST OF ANY PLACE, Philipp Hartmann with AUF DER RÜCKSEITE DER LANDSCHAFT, Ted Fendt with AUSLANDSREISE, Yaela Gottlieb with I COULDN’T DRAW YOU A MAP, and Jonas Bak with SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SLEEP. German Films also hosted a cocktail reception, bringing together filmmakers, producers and international guests for further exchange and networking. The “German Focus” was organized with the support of German Films, the Goethe Institute and the German Consulate in Marseille. | |
| The 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival took place from July 9 to 19, bringing together filmmakers, industry representatives and audiences for eleven days of international and Israeli cinema in the heart of Jerusalem. The festival’s lineup included 16 German productions and co-productions. Three German guests were on site to present their films and answer questions from the festival audience: director Kai Stänicke for TRIAL OF HEIN, director Angela Schanelec for MY WIFE CRIES and actress Sabine Thalau for I UNDERSTAND YOUR DISPLEASURE. German director Angela Schanelec was also part of the Jury for the International Competition. German actor Corinna Harfouch joined the Jury for the International Debuts Competition. THE DREAMED ADVENTURE by Valeska Griesebach, programmed in the International Competition section, won the Nechama Rivlin Award for Best International Film. The jury said: "We were impressed by the masterful direction and the handling of the film's multiple themes. Borders, European identities, and interpersonal stories are all masterfully explored. We congratulate the director on this film, which has truly impressed us."
The Chantal Akerman Prize for Experimental Documentary Film went to SILENT FLOOD by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk. The jury statement reads: "SILENT FLOOD directs its gaze toward what remains beyond the battlefield, discovering there the profound movement of history. With a rare faith in the power of observation, the film crafts a cinematic language that is at once poetic, political, and deeply human. In the shadow of war, it offers an artistic stance that views compassion, attentiveness, and contemplation as acts of resistance." German Films also hosted a reception that gave filmmakers, festival representatives and international industry professionals the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and celebrate the German films featured in this year’s program. | |
| This year, Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market from June 21 – 27, 2026 once again set a new all-time record with 19,100 accredited attendees from across the world. Films from 118 countries were screened, with Annecy Film Festival showcasing major international talents and screening over 145 films in the official selection. But this year's edition was also memorable for the official opening of the Cité internationale du cinéma d’animation. This unique global venue established itself as Annecy's new must-visit destination during the festival. Throughout the week, almost all the major studios attended Annecy, as well as a host of high-profile guests including Alfonso Cuarón, Audrey Tautou, Brad Bird, Émilie Tronche, Florence Miailhe, Guillermo del Toro, Michel Ocelot, Mike Judge, Nick Park, Peter Lord, Ricky Gervais and many others. Animation Germany and German Films, in cooperation with AG Kurzfilm, presented a total of 13 animated feature, short films, and TV series, commissioned productions, specials, and German VR / AR productions at their MIFA stand D.13. This year, a total of 36 prizes were awarded, 23 awards in the official award categories and 13 special prizes from partners and institutions. From a German point of view, CORE DUMP by Alona Rodeh won the Off-Limits Award for Short Films, and ECO BEAT by Eva Bienert and Max Mörtl won the Jury Award for a Commissioned Film. The film festival was crowned by its closing ceremony and awards presentation. The German coproduction CONDENADITOS by Matisse Gonzalez Jordán with Studio Seufz was one of three projects which had been selected as part of Annecy Festival Residency 2026. Annecy International Animation Film Festival pledges its commitment to animation feature film writers by giving them privileged support, the time and a place to create, to network, to provide increased visibility, and to enjoy project follow-up. The Annecy Festival Residency thus provides a tailor-made offer to each of the selected projects, and an inspiring and stimulating ecosystem, as well as connecting filmmakers with esteemed mentors in the animation sector. Another highlight was a day dedicated to Europe, with the first Annecy European Animation Summit on June 24, featuring the first visit to the MIFA by a European Commissioner. A brand-new annual event focused on European animation policy and a new forum for discussion. The Annecy European Animation Summit brought European decision-makers and the industry together to articulate European ambitions, reinforce the European model, stimulate debate, and foster a lasting dialogue. The focus was on European cultural sovereignty, platform regulation, the competitiveness of the creative industries, and the role of animation in European audiovisual policy. The film market MIFA saw a record attendance of 7,180 accreditations and new themes were brought to the stage. For the first time ever, nearly 50 MIFA events are available online as re-plays, including the official Mifa conferences, Buyer's Share With sessions, the campus guest masterclasses, the brand-new MIFA Invest and MIFA AI programs, the Student Pitch, and several partner events. Badge holders who couldn’t catch everything on the MIFA program can visit the video library where sessions are still available for viewing until December 31. Next year Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market will open its doors from June 13-19, 2027 with Colombia as country of honor to celebrate animation. | |
| SISTERS IN ARMS (DREI KAMERADINNEN), the new drama by director Milena Aboyan, celebrated its world premiere at Filmfest Munich on July 2. The film tells the story of a reunion between three old friends that takes a dramatic turn when one of them is suspected of an arson attack, unraveling a complex web of memories, identities and conflicting truths. The film marks a renewed collaboration between Aboyan and lead actor and this year’s FACE TO FACE WITH GERMAN FILMS ambassador Bayan Layla, who previously took on the title role in Aboyan's multi-award-winning debut ELAHA. The whole film team attended the premiere in Munich’s City cinema, made the blue carpet and got overwhelming applause from the audience, followed by a Q&A with the crew and cast on stage. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Shida Bazyar, the film follows three friends - Hani, Kasih and Saya. Bayan Layla plays one of three lead roles in this drama – Kasih. At the festival, SISTERS IN ARMS was nominated for the Förderpreis Neues Deutsches Kino, among others in the categories of direction, screenplay and acting. The film is set to open in German cinemas in November 2026. | |
| The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® has announced the 21 finalists of this year’s 53rd edition of the Student Academy Awards®. Two German films have reached the finals of this year’s Student Academy Awards, both competing in the Animation category. Notably, both graduation projects were created at the Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. Directed by David Sick and produced by Rahul Rao Kanuparthi, SEND NUDES follows two young lovers navigating a long-distance relationship at the end of the 16th century. Told in a distinctive 3D animation style, the film blends a historical setting with a distinctly contemporary sense of humour. The second German finalist, THE PANIC INSIDE, was written and directed by Matthias Strasser and produced by Sabina Stöckler. Centered on a chronic people pleaser, the film combines 2D and 3D animation with live-action elements to explore themes of self-care, personal freedom and the struggle to break free from the expectations of others. For the Student Academy Awards®, film students from all over the world can submit their works in the categories Animation, Documentary, Narrative and Alternative/Experimental. The winners are determined in several stages. The award ceremony will be held on September 14 at Toronto International Film Festival 2026. | |
| The focus of the next session for the English-language KINO! FILM SALON online film club on August 16 will be Wim Wenders' masterpiece PERFECT DAYS. It was nominated for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, becoming the first film directed by a non-Japanese filmmaker to be nominated as the Japanese entry. Our curator Jim Kolmar's comment on the movie: "Wim Wenders most recent feature is a delightful, surprising return to the delicacy and tremulous patience of his most iconic films. PERFECT DAYS follows Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), as he goes about the daily work of a humble toilet cleaner, calmly allowing us to witness his journey of self-awareness and the gentle revelations he experiences. Narratively, this is a film more invested in quotidian insight than in high drama, but the characteristic richness of Wenders' magical, humane film is undeniable. PERFECT DAYS feels almost revolutionary in its invitation to slow down, observe, and reflect on what matters to us. We might not figure that out immediately, but Wenders' extraordinary, generous film gives us permission to allow for uncertainty and arrive at our own conclusions in our own time. It’s a rare treat, and it’s not to be missed." RSVP here Date and time: Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 11:00am – 12:00pm PT, 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET, 8:00pm – 9:00pm CET
Hosted by Jim Kolmar KINO! FILM SALON is a production by Telescope Film, in collaboration with the German Film Office Trailer here + here: | |
| Episode 102 - August 8, 2026:
We’re honored to be actress Bayan Layla’s podcast premiere! We talk about her love for her work – and cooking. A developing obsession with knitting, the joy of teaching and language. And her ability to manage her energy just perfectly. Plus there’s an honorable mention of prior Pod-guest DoP Tim Kuhn. You can find all of the episodes on our website and wherever podcasts are available. SHORT TAKE on Instagram! | |
| Three German productions at Young Horizons
Young Horizons Industry (September 28–30, 2026, Warsaw, Poland) is an international co-production forum focusing on films and series aimed at children and young people, as well as a meeting place for film professionals committed to creating audiovisual content for young audiences. It will take place in Warsaw from September 28 to 30. Twenty-one projects for children and young people have been selected from 163 submissions from around the world. Sixteen projects were selected for the development phase, and five for the work-in-progress pitching section. The final selection includes 13 countries (including co-production countries). The following projects from Germany are participating: The animation film SNOW WHITE AND ME (Playwrite D&P, Epsilon Film), the live-action MR. RAVIOLI (Dreamer Joint Venture) and the animation series NATURAL SELECTION Natural Selection (Fabian&Fred).
Rendez-Vous: Registration for Franco-German Film Meeting 2026
The Franco-German Film Meeting returns to the Goethe Institute in Paris and will take place on November 24 and 25, 2026. This industry event brings together around 200 key players from France and Germany, including producers, distributors, screenwriters, broadcasters, funding agencies, and policymakers. Registration is available here. PLEASE NOTE: Early Bird tickets are still available today, July 31.
Call for applications - Key Expert Team Lead “EU Film Festivals (EUFF) Phase III”
The Goethe-Institut is seeking a Brussels-based Team Leader for the EU Film Festivals (EUFF) Phase III project, responsible for overall project management, coordination of international experts and liaison with the European Commission, EU Delegations and global partners. The assignment is expected to begin on January 1, 2027, run for 36 months and involve up to 660 working days, with regular international travel potentially required and contracting subject to the project award. Applicants should have relevant university qualifications, fluent English, substantial experience in international cultural relations, project and team leadership, as well as at least three years of professional experience in the European film and festival sector. EU citizens or candidates with a valid EU residence and work permit should submit a tailored CV and proposed daily rate to lena.heidler@goethe.de by August 15, 2026; only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. More information can be found here. | |
| German productions and co-productions at Vila do Conde, Edingburgh, Jerusalem, Wroclaw, Giffoni, Locarno, Ottawa, Yerevan, Guanajuato, Palić, Venice, New Zealand, Melbourne and Hollywood. | |
| Awards for German productions and co-productions at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Espinho and Giffoni. | |
| New section starting in 2026: Here you will find links to photo galleries of German Films receptions and other German Films events from this month. | |
| International releases of German films in August 2026 supported by the German Films Distribution Support program: AMRUM in Japan (Distributor: Bitters End, World Sales: Beta Cinema, Theatrical Release: August 07, 2026, Grant: 5,000 €)
INGEBORG BACHMANN – SOMEONE WHO WAS ONCE ME in Switzerland (Distributor: Xenix Filmdistribution, World Sales: Navigator Film Produktion, Theatrical Release: August 20, 2026, Grant: 8,000 €)
PHANTOMS OF JULY in the Netherlands (Distributor: J&J Films, World Sales: Bendita Film Sales, Theatrical Release: August 20, 2026, Grant: 2,500 €)
SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 4 in Denmark (Distributor: Another World Entertainment, World Sales: Epsilon, Theatrical Release: August 13, 2026, Grant: 6,000 €)
SCHOOL OF MAGICAL ANIMALS 4 in Norway (Distributor: Another World Entertainment, World Sales: Epsilon, Theatrical Release: August 21, 2026, Grant: 6,000 €)
SIRI HUSTVEDT – DANCE AROUND THE SELF in Norway (Distributor: Indie Film Distribution, World Sales: Filmdelights, Theatrical Release: August 28, 2026, Grant: 7,000 €)
TWO TO ONE in Spain (Distributor: A Contracorriente Films, World Sales: The Playmaker, Theatrical Release: August 15, 2026, Grant: 8,000 €)
Please note: Correct at time of going to press. Changes may occur at any time.
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| Contact:
Angela Sonntag (Head of Press & Public Relations) | |
| German Films Service + Marketing GmbH
Herzog-Wilhelm-Straße 16
80331 München/Deutschland Tel +49-89-59 97 87-0
Fax +49-89-59 97 87-30 | |
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