11mm – International Football Film Festival Berlin

The 21st edition falls between the Berlinale and the end of the Bundesliga season — typical for 11mm, which positions itself precisely in this calendar gap. The organizer is Brot & Spiele e.V. in Berlin in cooperation with Festiwelt Berlin. Tickets and program are available in advance, with the first films often selling out quickly.

Special Guest in 2026 is Hermann Gerland — one of the defining figures of German football in recent decades, assistant coach of the national team under several head coaches. Discussions with special guests are integrated into the festival and usually part of the film blocks.

Festival structure and main program points (5 days):

• Thursday, March 26th — Opening: Opening film Ein Sommer in Italien – WM 1990 (Documentary, World Premiere), followed by a discussion with the directors and a special guest. Starts at 7 PM in the main hall of the Colosseum
• Friday, March 27th — Premiere Day: 8–10 films in several halls, focus on current documentaries about international football legends (Luis Enrique, Peter Schmeichel, etc.). Short film block in the afternoon
• Saturday, March 28th — Classics Day: Reruns of classics (Shaolin Soccer, Kes, Die Wilden Kerle), often with a brief introduction. Main film slot in the evening with current feature films
• Sunday, March 29th — Short Films & Discussion: Short film marathon, curated short film competition with audience award. Discussion slot with Hermann Gerland and other special guests
• Monday, March 30th — Closing: Closing premiere, award ceremony for the short film competition, festival closing

Program focuses 2026:

• Documentaries about legends: Luis Enrique, Peter Schmeichel
• Classics: Shaolin Soccer, Kes, Die Wilden Kerle
• Current premiere: Heysel 85 (about the Heysel tragedy 1985, Belgium tour premiere)
• Short film program from 17 countries
• Special discussions with Hermann Gerland and other special guests

Full daily program and film titles on 11mm.de. Tickets via the festival or directly at the Colosseum (Schönhauser Allee 123).

• 21st edition of the world's first football film festival
• Opening film: "Ein Sommer in Italien – WM 1990"
• Premiere: "Heysel 85"
• Classics like Shaolin Soccer and Kes as reruns
• Special Guest: Hermann Gerland
• Over 40 films from 17 countries
• Colosseum Berlin as the regular venue

Getting there

U-Bahn U2 Schönhauser Allee (5 min walk). Tram M1, 12, M10 Eberswalder Straße. S-Bahn S8, S41, S42 Schönhauser Allee.

Tickets

Single films from €8, festival pass approx. €60–€80, 5-film tickets for bulk discount. Advance booking online via 11mm.de or at the Colosseum. Opening film usually sells out quickly.

Tip

Visiting for several days is significantly cheaper with a festival pass or multi-film ticket. Secure tickets for the opening film and films with special guests (Hermann Gerland etc.) early.