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From Aardman to Game of Thrones – diversity and quality at the 49th festival year
The 49th Weiterstadt Open Air Film Festival is once again attracting filmmakers from all over the world to the Braunshardter Tännchen. This year, nearly 4,000 entries, ranging in length from one to sixty minutes, were submitted to the long-established short film festival from over 100 countries. The selected works cover the entire spectrum of international short films – from documentaries and fiction to animation, experimentation, tragicomedies, and romance.
Several prominent names have made it into the program: These include a short film produced by George R.R. Martin (“Game of Thrones”) and a work from Aardman Animations, known for “Wallace & Gromit” and “Shaun the Sheep.” Javier Fesser – award-winning director of “Camino” and “We Are Champions” – is also represented with his new thriller “Depredador.” The satirical activist group The Yes Men will also be present with a socially critical short film.
No obligation to attend the premiere – but many award-winning films
The Weiterstadt Film Festival is not about exclusivity, but about originality and artistic quality. Whether a film premieres in Weiterstadt or has already won international awards is irrelevant. Therefore, the program includes not only winners of the Palme d'Or from Cannes and the Berlinale, but also recipients of the German Short Film Award, the Short Tigers, the Student Academy Awards, as well as selected festival highlights from Germany and abroad.
Some of these works could win major prizes in the future – others might enjoy their first public performance in Weiterstadt. It is precisely this openness that makes the festival so appealing.
New tent, new format – and a classic returns
For the first time, part of the program will take place in the new circus tent of the Weiterstadt sports club (Klein-Gerauer Weg). Visitors can enjoy, among other things, the children's and youth film program, as well as the popular short film Poetry Slam, which returns after a six-year hiatus.
A highlight is the grand "Best of" screening on Monday, August 18 – the festival's only ticketed event. The short film evenings at the Braunshardter Tännchen from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, as well as the daytime program in the film tent (Friday to Sunday), are free of charge, as usual. Donations to support the festival are welcome.
Supporting program for filmmakers
In addition to enjoying the films, visitors can also expect an informative supporting program. The AG Kurzfilm (Short Film Working Group) and Hessen Film & Medien GmbH will offer advice on funding opportunities for short films. Furthermore, there will be a special event on the history of Super 8 film, curated by Frankfurt filmmaker Enrico Corsano.
The long-standing Super 8 competition with audience voting is also back on the program. The festival is complemented by winning entries from the Rüsselsheim Satirical Short Film Days and numerous international guests from the fields of directing, screenwriting, acting, and cinematography – who will engage in direct discussions with the audience.
A festival of diversity and encounter
What makes the Weiterstadt Open Air Film Festival so special is not only its cinematic breadth, but also the unique atmosphere among the trees of the Braunshardter Tännchen. Here, art, criticism, creativity, and community come together – across generations and on equal footing.
(WEITERSTADT – RED/W)
