Filmfest München
It is not as prestigious as the Berlinale and not as glamorous as the film festivals in Cannes or Venice, but, over a period of 17 years, the Filmfest München has established itself as an outstanding cinematic event, where some of the world’s best directors, from Roman Polanski to Oliver Stone, have personally introduced their films. Even though stars like Audrey Hepburn and Robert de Niro have paid a visit to the Filmfest in the past, and this year the festival again expects many celebrities from the movie business, this is not a “red carpet” event, but a festival where unusual films by less familiar names are more important than the future box office hits. “Vom Kino besessen” (“Obsessed by the movies”) is the motto of this year’s festival, during which film buffs can choose from some 150 new German and international productions at ten cinemas around town, arranged according to such categories as World Cinema, American Indies, Made in Germany or Visiones Latinoamericanas. A retrospective will honor the work of director Milos Forman, who will receive the CineMerit Award, while Dance, Dance, Dance will present dance films in an open-air screening in front of the Gasteig. The Filmfest is accompanied by the International Festival of Film Schools, where the next generation of filmmakers present their works. More than 200 productions from students at motion-picture academies in 25 countries will compete for the VFF Young Talent Award. Advance ticket sale for both festivals starts on June 17 at the Gasteig and on June 21 at the MaxX movie theater. You can also call 480 98-746 or -749 to reserve tickets. For more information visit their Web page at www.filmfest-muenchen.de, but don’t be disappointed: detailed information on individual films is usually not displayed until shortly before the festival.