This year, we have received around 3,000 films. We are overwhelmed and thank each applicant for your interest in our festival!

The selection committee is already deeply engaged in a viewing marathon. In addition to our festival director Christoph Terhechte and the programme coordinators Lina Dinkla, Jana Kraft, Victoria Leshchenko and Marcel Maïga, this year's selection team includes film experts Borjana Gaković, Marie Ketzscher, Jan Künemund, James Lattimer, Anke Leweke, Seggen Mikael, Irina Rubina, Carolin Weidner, Annina Wettstein and Luc-Carolin Ziemann.

We will announce the film programme and competition nominations on 9 Oktober, the same day that ticket sales start.

Is the festival firmly marked on your calendar? A reminder to film professionals: You can already apply for accreditation now!

Fotos: Oliver Dietze, Priscillia Grubo, Susann Jehnichen, Birgitta Kowsky, Adrien Michel, Maiju Saari, Dovile Sermokas, Daniel Wetzel