Dear visitors of the Filmfest,

What do you think of when you think of innovation in film? That an artificial intelligence like ChatGPT writes the screenplay or that software composes the film music? Innovation is about courageously breaking new ground, experimenting and testing boundaries. This is what the competition category Innovation stands for, in which the Bremen State Media Authority awards two prizes: the best narrative innovation and the best visual innovation. Behind each innovation are courageous and creative people who have more than earned their award. That is why we are very pleased that the Innovation Award has found its permanent place within the Filmfest Bremen. Enjoy Filmfest 2023 and be inspired by innovation, courage and the joy of experimentation!

The International Competition Innovation stands for unusual and surprising narratives, the skilful use of technology, creative, sometimes idiosyncratic image design and themes that open up new worlds. Across all genres and formats, the films in this category seek artistic, technical and narrative experimentation and surprise their audiences. Far from the usual formats and narrative structures we are used to seeing on television or in the cinema, new experiences and perspectives can be gained here. An experiment worth getting involved in. From well over 200 submissions, the viewing committee has selected 16 shorter works and 9 longer ones – from staged documentaries to crossover opera-dance films, from experimental to footage, from animation to dystopian scenarios, the entries will compete for the following prizes: