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From Aardman to Game of Thrones - diversity and quality at the 49th festival year
The 49th Open Air Filmfest Weiterstadt again attracts filmmakers from all over the world to the Braunshardter Tännchen. For the traditional short film festival, almost 4,000 contributions with a length of one to sixty minutes from over 100 countries were submitted this year. The selected works cover the entire spectrum of the international short film - from documentary to fictional, animated and experimental to tragicomic and romantic.
Some prominent names made it into the program: including a short film produced by George RR Martin ("Game of Thrones") and a work by Aardman animation, known by "Wallace & Gromit" and "Shaun the sheep". Javier Feser - award -winning director of "Camino" and "We are Champions" - is also represented with his new thriller "Depredador". Likewise: the satirical activist group The Yes Men with a short film.
No compulsion to premiere - but many award -winning films
The Film Festival of further city is not about exclusivity, but about originality and artistic quality. Whether a film in Weiterstadt celebrates its premiere or has already been awarded internationally does not matter. That is why the program not only includes the winners of the Golden Palm of Cannes and the Berlinale, but also a winner of the German Short Film Award, the Short Tigers, the Student Oscars and selected festival highlights from home and abroad.
Some of these works could continue to win big prizes in the future - others may enjoy their first public performance in Weiterstadt. This openness is what makes the festival special.
New tent, new format - and a classic returns
For the first time, part of the program takes place in the new circus tent of the Sportgemeinde Weiterstadt (Klein-Gerauer Weg). Here, visitors experience the children's and youth film program as well as after a six-year break again the popular short film Poetry Slam.
One highlight is the big "Best of" on Monday, August 18 - the festival's only event that is subject to admission. The short film evenings in the Braunshardter Tännchen from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17th and the daily program in the film tent (Friday to Sunday) are free of charge as usual. Donations to support the festival are welcome.
Framework program for filmmakers
In addition to film enjoyment, visitors can also expect an informative supporting program. The AG Kurzfilm and Hessen Film & Medien GmbH offer advice on funding opportunities for short films. There is also a special event on the history of the Super 8 film, curated by the Frankfurt filmmaker Enrico Corsano.
The traditional Super 8 competition with an audience decision is again part of the program. The festival is complemented by winning contributions from the Satirical Short Film Days Rüsselsheim and by numerous international guests from directing, script, drama and camera - who face the audience in direct conversation.
A festival of diversity and encounter
What distinguishes the open Air Filmfest Weiterstadt is not only the cinematic bandwidth, but also the unique atmosphere between the trees of the Braunshardter Tänn. Art, criticism, creativity and community meet here - across generations and at eye level.
(Weiterstadt - Red/W)
