1. FilmFestival Cottbus starts: A festival for cineastes and premieres!

<ol> <li>FilmFestival Cottbus starts: A festival for cineastes and premieres!</li> </ol>

The eagerly awaited 35th FilmFestival Cottbus starts in Cottbus on November 4th, 2025 and will attract numerous film enthusiasts to the city until November 9th. The festival has set itself the task of presenting current filmmaking from Central and Eastern Europe and offers an impressive selection of around 140 films from over 40 countries. The highlight: many of the works shown are celebrating their German or international premiere. How radio one reports, the genre spectrum will range from art house to horror films to situation comedies and investigative films. There is something for every taste here!

The festival not only offers exciting films, but also the opportunity to take part in unique competitions. The best entries in three categories – feature film, short film and U18 youth film – will be evaluated by an international jury. The winners can look forward to prize money and the glass “Lubina”, which serves as a symbol of the festival. This year the following special series are on the program:

• Close Up: Estonia – Fokus auf die estnische Gesellschaft
• CottbusMasters – Rückkehr renommierter Cannes-Preisträger und Oscar-nominierter Regisseure
• Don’t Call Me Vintage – zeitlose alte Filme
• Midnight Madness – Horror- und Fantasy-Reihe
• Nationale Hits – Kassenschlager aus Osteuropa
• Kino für Kids – Filme für Kinder und Familien
• Sektion Heimat – sorbisch/wendische Themen
• EcoEast – Beziehung zwischen Menschen und Landschaft

Supporting program and talks

In addition to the film program, the festival offers an extensive supporting program that includes talks, parties, concerts and exhibitions. Particularly noteworthy are the planned film talks by radio one on:

• Donnerstag, 06.11. von 19 – 21 Uhr
• Freitag, 07.11. von 19 – 21 Uhr
• Samstag, 08.11. von 12 – 14 Uhr

The festival starts today at 4:30 p.m. and the excitement is already building. Anyone who wants to get involved should take the time and experience the diversity of Eastern European cinema. It doesn't just stop at the film events, because the big FFC closing party will take place in the Gladhouse on November 8th. From 10:00 p.m. the organizing group UNI FETE – the creative group around Mo and Laura (Mochis) – will be celebrating on two floors. Participants can look forward to a colorful mix of hip-hop, R’n’B, pop, Latino and more. This celebration is a perfect way to get to know the city and its culture.

A celebration for everyone

The FilmFestival Cottbus is not only a big event for cinema fans, but also open to students, newcomers and long-time Cottbus residents. The celebration creates a space for diversity and unforgettable nights. On November 8th, the diversity of Cottbus's nightlife will really come to life. The music will also give the young and young-at-heart guests a good feeling. If you are in Cottbus on these days, you shouldn't miss it!

This November weekend, Cottbus is setting off fireworks of cinema, culture and joie de vivre. Anyone looking for surprises will find them in the film metropolis. The 35th FilmFestival Cottbus – here the screen lights up and the atmosphere couldn’t be better. You are cordially invited to be part of this celebration!