Welcome to the festival for film, pop culture, and society.
Since its founding in 1991, FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE has developed into one of Germany’s most important film festivals. It serves as a platform for creative exchange, a showcase for the latest international film and series highlights, and a prominent meeting place for the industry.
Across eight festival days, the focus is on innovation, international perspectives, and socially relevant topics. Our carefully curated program creates space for discussion and discovery. We actively support emerging talent and provide impulses for the future of storytelling. Like our film selection, our guests and award recipients are internationally renowned and shape the festival in a lasting way year after year.
The prestigious FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE AWARDS honor the outstanding filmmakers of our time, continuing a tradition that has already recognized figures such as David Lynch, Jane Campion, Luca Guadagnino, Justine Triet, Lars von Trier, Sandra Hüller, Isabelle Huppert, and Mads Mikkelsen.
Our industry conferences also act as catalysts and forums for discussion on the future of audiovisual storytelling. The European Series Day brings together the latest trends and creative minds of the series market, while Global Day. Stories for Change places the social responsibility of storytelling at its center. The program is complemented by the Benelux networking meeting, which further deepens collaboration with our neighboring countries. In addition, the conferences organized by MGZ and KölnBusiness, as well as the Africa XChange Summit, set important accents and open up new perspectives for the industry.
Our audience is young, curious, and engaged, shaping the character of the festival each year anew with fresh perspectives and a high level of participation.
FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all. In cooperation with Diversity Culture Cologne, our team continuously reflects on how awareness can be ensured both within our internal structures and throughout the festival experience for guests, partners, and filmmakers.
The 35th edition of FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE took place from October 9 to 16, 2025, featuring a diverse program, high-profile guests, and compelling perspectives.
