03-09-2023

accreditation starts | FilmFestival Cottbus

    Dear friends of the FFC, not long now - 9 more weeks, then it's that time again: we show the latest and best from the Eastern European film world! 150 extraordinary, unknown and exciting films will be shown in our cinemas from November 7 to 12. We are already looking forward to numerous guests who will make Cottbus even more international.

    At the same time, from November 8 to 10, the co-production market connecting cottbus will take place, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

    With three competitions and numerous other sections, all of which you can find here on our website, here's a little taste of two film series of the 33rd festival edition:

    In our Close-Up, we take a closer look at KAZAKHSTAN. In the geopolitical field of tension between Russia and China, the ninth largest state in the world is increasingly focusing on its own identity. Film plays an essential role in this. The content and artistic spectrum ranges from the drug thriller "The Needle" from 1988 (director Rashid Nugmanov has left his mark on Kazakh cinema to this day), to the auteur film "The Village", in which director Serik Aprymov reflects urban-rural antagonisms with subtle humor, to fast-paced and lightly staged current mainstream cinema such as Yernar Nurgaliev's film "The Start". Look forward to a multifaceted picture of a multifaceted country!

    How did the people of Eastern Europe revolt against the communist dictatorships? The film series WHAT REMAINS OF HISTORY explores this question. Modern classics such as "Good Bye, Lenin!" by Wolfgang Becker meet Andrzej Wajda's "The Man of Iron," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1981. The films offer a fascinating insight into the history of resistance against communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe. But they are also highly topical! Against the backdrop of recent developments in some Eastern European countries, the series is an appeal to freedom and the courage to stand up and protest when the media and judiciary are once again brought under control by governments.

    From now on, directors and screenwriters can also apply for the logline audience award PICKASTORY. Film ideas described in a logline, i.e. with a maximum of 25 words, can be submitted. The winning idea will then be further developed with the help of film professionals and pitched at connecting cottbus in 2024. Everything about #pickastory here. The deadline for entries is September 22.

    FFC on the road: FFC team members will be at the Polish Film Festival Gdynia, at Finále Pilsen and the industry meeting "Czech Springboard" and at the POST SPACE Film Camp in Kyrgyzstan, in September. The FFC also presents films at the biggest Polish film festival FilmPOLSKA in Berlin and Pilsen. More information in our News.

    We are looking forward to seeing you in Cottbus! From now on you can use this form to get accredited for the FilmFestival. An accreditation offers unrestricted access to the film program and the discussion formats. There is also a great offer for students - click here!

    We are looking forward to the 33rd FilmFestival, see you soon!
    Your team of the FFC