"Schlingel" film festival offers nine premieres

The international children's film festival "Schlingel" is turning 30 this year and is presenting nine premieres. These include the Canadian film "My Stepmother is a Witch", the German production "A Summer in Sommerby" and the Danish film "Children of the Silver Road - Strong Together!". The festival kicks off on September 27 at the Chemnitz Opera House.

The program committee screened more than 1,000 films for this year's festival and 212 made it into the program. They will be shown at five venues in the city from September 27 to October 4. These are productions from 58 countries, including Canada, Australia, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, Costa Rica and Taiwan.

XXL children's jury decides on award winners

The diversity of cultures and realities of life was an important concern from the very beginning, explained festival director Michael Harbauer. "At a time when tolerance and understanding are of great social importance, we want to provide the familiar view of the bigger picture - and always in an age-appropriate way."

At the festival, prizes are awarded by various children's, youth and specialist juries. There are 141 productions in competition: 61 feature-length and 80 short films. For the anniversary and in view of the Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz, the European Children's Jury will be increased from 20 to more than 50 children from various European countries. They will decide which film will be awarded the European Children's Film Prize.