The Senator for Culture is supporting our Filmfest Lounge this year, because this is where the industry meets to network, celebrate, discuss films they have seen and plan new ones. Workshops, panel discussions, networking events and pitching sessions provide space to exchange ideas and learn new things. Some of the events are open to the public, offering a behind-the-scenes look at filmmakers and their work. Industry accreditation can be applied for via our website, giving access to further workshops and panels.

Festival-Counter at

NOON Cafe, Theatre Bremen

Opening hours:

Wed. April 15, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thu. April 16, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Fri. April 17, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sat. April 18, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sun. April 19, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Supported by

Industry Programme

An overview and the program as a PDF for download can be found here.

Pre-registration is required for a few events (event@filmfestbremen.com). These are marked accordingly. Further information can be found at the respective event.

Some events are only open to accredited persons.

Public Events

Events for Accredited Guests

Industry Programme as PDF (coming soon)

Public Events

The Retrospective: Vanessa Redgrave

A talk about the iconic actress, her films, ideas, politics and life

more information coming soon …

Thu. April 16. // 11:00

Theater Kleines Haus

Filmmakers Lunch at the “big table”

Discounted lunch for accredited guests.

Thu. April 16. // 13:00 Café NOON

Attention filmmakers!

The “Starthaus” of the Bremer Aufbaubank offers advice: From business plan to crowdfunding – concentrated start-up knowledge for filmmakers.

[in german]

Thu. April 16. // 13:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd Building)

BLOW UP with Introduction to the Retrospective

We are opening the Vanessa Redgrave retrospective with an introduction followed by the movie BLOW UP.

Thu. April 16. // 14:00 Schauburg

WFB Short Film Competition

A jury will select the best cinematic contributions to this year’s short film challenge with the theme “My Bremen is real”.

[in german]

Thu. April 16. // 20:00 Schauburg

Filmmakers Lunch at the “big table”

Discounted lunch for accredited guests.

Fri. April 17. // 13:00 Café NOON

Close-Up Presentation + party

Presentation of the new scholarship holders. Followed by a reception and party at the Noon.

[presentation is in german]

Fri. April 17. // 19:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd building)

Performance Workshop: Private Dance

In the workshop, Private Dance, people of all backgrounds and abilities —regardless of dance experience— are invited to participate in an experimental performance format that draws upon one’s natural response to music.

[registration required!]

Sat. April 18. // 12:00

Theater rehearsal stage

Filmmakers Lunch at the “big table”

Discounted lunch for accredited guests.

Sat. April 18. // 13:00 Café NOON

Panel: Beyond Representation

New Storytellers in German-Language Cinema

Post-migrant filmmakers are increasingly telling their stories in a self-determined, aesthetically independent way, transcending traditional labels.

What new visual languages, cultural identities and artistic approaches are emerging from this? And how might this give rise to a cinema that does not merely react, but actively shapes the landscape?

[in german]

Sat. April 18. / 15:30

Theater/ Hörbar inside Noon Café

Get Together with the muslim-german film association

Following the panel discussion, coffee, tea, and cake will be served at Café Noon—the perfect setting for a relaxed chat.

Sa. 18. April // 16:30

Café Noon

French welcome & short film programme

The Institut français is hosting its annual French welcome this year and invites you to join them for a drink on Saturday.

Sat. April 18. // 16:00 Institut français

Masterclass Momentum with Jason Isaacs

you can find more information on the Momentum Award site.

[registration required!]

Sat. April 18. // 19:30 city hall “obere Rathaushalle”

Pub Quiz

The quiz evening with Sören Gäting for movie nerds. Which group will manage to answer the most questions about films and actors correctly?

Sat. April 18. // 20:00 Café NOON

Bremen’s Cast & Crew – Relaunch Filmfest Party

Bremen’s film scene is celebrating – and everyone is invited. Cast & Crew, the association of Bremen-based filmmakers both in front of and behind the camera, is embarking on a new chapter with a fresh corporate identity. After a short presentation, the evening will be all about music: a DJ, great drinks and the perfect opportunity to network.

free entry

Sat. April 18. // 22:00 Café NOON

Film festival awards ceremony

All winners of the public and jury prizes will be announced at a festive matinée at 11.00 a.m. this morning.

[only a few tickets avaiable]

Sun. April 19. // 11:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd building)

Filmmakers Lunch at the “big table”

Discounted lunch for accredited guests.

Sun. April 19. // 13:00 Café NOON

PITCH & PIE Filmbüro Bremen

Selected filmmakers will pitch their current projects to an industry jury. The winner will receive a prize money of €300, sponsored by Filmbüro.

Afterwards, Filmbüro Bremen invites everyone to a get-together over coffee and cake at NOON.

Sun. April 19. // 14:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd building)

Tanya – Short Movie Premiere

Jury member Theo Jessel presents his documentary portrait of a Ukrainian dancer.

In cooperation with “Herz für die Ukraine”

Sun. April 19. // 19:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd building)

Performance Presentation: Private Dance

Performance artist Alex Beriault presents the results together with the participants of her workshop

Sun. April 19. // 20:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd building)

Events for Accredited Guests only

Guided tour of Bremen’s city hall

The number of participants is limited to 25. The tour will be held in English.

[registration required]

Meeting: 11 am in front of the city hall.

Thu. April 16. // 12:30 City Hall

Speed Dating for Filmmakers

In short meetings of 3 minutes, you will have the opportunity to get to know other filmmakers of Filmfest Bremen.

[registration required]

Thu. April 16. // 15:00 Institut français

Speed Dating for Filmmakers

In short meetings of 3 minutes, you will have the opportunity to get to know other filmmakers of Filmfest Bremen.

[registration required]

Fri. April 17. // 11:00

Theater Kleines Haus (2nd Building)

FLINTA* in film – We’re talking now!

Panel: Female Rage

Is it time to get angry?

Anger is generally seen as unconstructive. “You can’t reason with a volcano,” as Ernst Jünger once said. But then again, he was a man. Perhaps we as women don’t want to talk anymore?

specifically for FLINTA*s

Fri. April 17. // 14:00 Institut français

FLINTA* in film – We’re talking now!

Women-Networking

Filnta* film professionals from all fields, countrys and levels of experience are warmly invited to connect through small speed-dating sessions and large gatherings. Strengthen existing relationships, and make exciting new connections.

Fri. April 17. // 16:00 Institut français

Speed Dating for Filmmakers

In short meetings of 3 minutes, you will have the opportunity to get to know other filmmakers of Filmfest Bremen.

[registration required]

Sat. April 18. // 11:00

Theater Brauhausfoyer

Workshop: Pitch, Please!

In the elevator, at breakfast, at a festival – where and how to best pitch a film/project?

[registration required]

Sat. April 18. //11:00 Institut français

Workshop: Take Your Space – Empowerment for FLINTA* in film

How can Flinta* individuals consciously claim their space on set and during production?
This three-hour workshop combines thematic discussion with practical exercises.

[registration required]

Sat. April 18. // 12:00 Institut français

Get-Together Closing Party

A cozy wrap-up of the festival week with all the filmmakers at the Institut Français.

Sun. April 19. //19:00 Institute français