The International Film Festival begins today in Dresden. Around 600 invited guests and trade visitors are expected until Sunday, according to the festival. More than 380 short films from 60 countries will be shown at the Filmfest's 19 venues, including the Schauburg movie theater and the Ost arthouse cinema. The free Short Film Open Air 2026 will take place at the same time on Schlossplatz.
This year's focus is on changing working environments, but other topics will also be highlighted, including (queer) identities, loneliness and migration.
More than 60 films are competing in the competitions for 17 awards with a total value of 72,500 euros. Dresden's Mayor of Culture Annekatrin Klepsch was also due to attend the opening at the Schauburg Filmtheater this evening.
The state capital is sponsoring the film festival with 81,000 euros this year, according to its own information. Last year, the organizers counted more than 17,000 guests.
Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
