Overview

• Festival director Matthias Helwig said he will lead the 20th edition in 2026 then step down, confirming he will not submit applications for 2027.
• The eight‑day festival matched last year’s overall turnout despite a shorter schedule, with average daily attendance rising by more than ten percent.
• About 130 filmmakers presented their work in person, creating intensive exchanges with audiences and raising the event’s industry profile.
• Leonie Benesch received the Hannelore‑Elsner‑Preis, with additional awards including “Briefe aus der Wilcza,” “Paternal Leave,” “Som Doma,” “Rückblickend betrachtet,” and “Love At First Byte.”
• Open‑air results were mixed, drawing roughly 5,500 viewers at Starnberger Seebad while Seefeld screenings suffered from bad weather, as the Bavarian government signaled ongoing support.