The Neisse Film Festival in the border triangle of Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic sees its existence threatened by the Saxon government's plans to cut funding. Festival director Ola Staszel referred to cuts in institutional funding by the Free State of Saxony. Instead of 275,000 euros, 250,000 euros are to flow. With a very thin staffing level, this would put a strain on the budget and cost half a staff position.
Staff threatened with job losses
According to Staszel, the festival works with a budget of just under 500,000 euros. In addition to one full-time position, four part-time employees are involved in the planning and organization. "The planned cuts in the cultural sector will have an impact on the lively and diverse cultural scene, which is doing important work to strengthen grassroots democracy throughout Saxony."
Festival shows around 100 feature films, documentaries and short films
The festival will present around 100 current feature films, documentaries and short films from the countries of the border triangle and Eastern Europe from 20 to 25 May. In addition to competitions, various film series are planned. For the 22nd edition of the festival, 19 cinemas along the Neisse and on both sides of the border have been selected. The film festival is already in its 22nd edition.
This time, the festival's focus series is dedicated to the topic of borders under the title "Crossing Borders". The supporting program includes a reading with travel writer Andreas Altmann and three concerts. The festival awards ceremony will take place on May 24 in Zgorzelec, Poland. This will be followed by the big festival party at the Kunstbauerkino Großhennersdorf.
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