Neiße Film Festival Kicks Off in 2026

The 23rd Neiße Film Festival is set to commence on Tuesday in Zittau, featuring the German family drama "Something Very Special" as its opening film. The event will take place at the Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater, where the main actors Max Riemelt, Frida Hornemann, and Peter René Lüdicke are expected to attend. Additionally, the Minister of Culture, Barbara Klepsch, will participate in a panel discussion during the festival. From May 26 to 31, 2026, the festival will present approximately 100 feature films, documentaries, and short films from Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Alongside film screenings and discussions, the program will include exhibitions, workshops, and concerts. Nineteen cinemas and cultural venues across eleven locations along the Neiße river, stretching from Weißwasser to Liberec and Bautzen to Zgorzelec, will be involved in this cultural celebration. The festival will feature three competitions where eleven "Neiße Fish" awards will be presented, with a total prize money of €27,500. Awards will be given for the best films in various categories, as well as audience awards and recognitions for screenplay, set design, and acting performances. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 30 in Varnsdorf, Czech Republic. The Neiße Film Festival not only highlights the cinematic talents of the participating countries but also fosters cultural exchange and collaboration among filmmakers. It serves as a platform for showcasing diverse narratives and artistic expressions, making it a significant event in the regional cultural calendar.