More than 380 short films from 60 countries will be screened in Dresden next week at the 38th International Film Festival. Under the theme "Work in Progress", the focus will be on the world of work, as the city announced. Various contributions shed light on power structures, questioned conditions and showed what role work plays in social participation and democratic involvement, it said. "The Dresden Film Festival has been an integral part of our cultural landscape for decades and an important source of inspiration for international exchange in the art of film," explained Annekatrin Klepsch, Mayor of Culture. A total of 65 entries from 36 countries are competing for 17 awards at the film festival. The films can be seen from Tuesday (April 14) to Sunday (April 19) at 19 locations, including the Schauburg Filmtheater and the Programmkino Ost. The free Short Film Open Air 2026 will take place at the same time on Schlossplatz. "In order for such spaces to exist in the long term, they need reliable framework conditions and the appropriate support," said festival director Anne Gaschütz. The state capital is funding the film festival this year with 81,000 euros. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved19 Dresden festival locations
