Filmfest Bremen
International Film Festival with eight competitions and the Bremen Film Award
About Filmfest Bremen
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Bremen, a City of Film
Filmfest Bremen is the largest international film festival in the Hanseatic city and one of the most important dates in the North German festival calendar. Since its premiere in 2016, it has developed into a platform that showcases arthouse, mainstream, short films, and innovation on an equal footing. In April, the festival transforms six Bremen venues into a vibrant cinematic cosmos.
Eight Competitions – the Golden Mops
The heart of Filmfest Bremen lies in its eight competitions. They reflect a wide thematic spectrum: Humor and Satire, Innovation, Sustainability (BAB Sustainability Award), Diversity, German Premieres, regional short and feature films, and the WFB Short Film Award. The winners receive the famous Golden Mops on the closing night – a wink to the Bremen Town Musicians and, at the same time, a serious trophy on the German festival scene.
Bremen Film Award – Honoring Hollywood Greats
The festival traditionally opens with the gala for the presentation of the Bremen Film Award of Sparkasse Bremen. The award, endowed with 8,000 euros, is given for lifetime achievement and most recently went to Stephen Frears (2025, laudation by Hugh Grant), Wim Wenders, Charlotte Rampling, and other international stars. In 2026, British actress Vanessa Redgrave will be honored – the opening gala will take place on April 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Theater am Goetheplatz.
Six Venues in the City Center
The Filmfest takes place concurrently in several venues, all within walking distance in Bremen's city center: Schauburg, Atlantis Filmtheater, City 46 (Community Cinema), Gondel, Cinema Ostertor, Theater Bremen, and the Institut Français. This makes the festival very accessible across districts: You can combine films from the main train station, Viertel, and Schwachhausen areas in one day.
More Than Just Cinema
In addition to the films, there are film discussions, industry meetings, Q&As with directors, workshops, and an attractive supporting program in the foyers. A dedicated retrospective each year honors a personality – in 2026, it's Vanessa Redgrave, with a public discussion on April 16th at Theater Bremen.
Filmfest Bremen — edition 2026
11th Edition – Vanessa Redgrave Receives the Bremen Film Award
The eleventh edition of Filmfest Bremen opens on April 15, 2026, with a cinematic highlight: Vanessa Redgrave, one of the most significant British actresses of our time, will receive the Bremen Film Award of Sparkasse Bremen for her lifetime achievement. The gala will take place at the Theater am Goetheplatz, followed by a party in the foyer.
Eight Competitions
The festival features eight competitions: Humor and Satire, Innovation, Sustainability (BAB Sustainability Award), Diversity, German Premieres, WFB Short Film Award, Regional Films (short and feature). The Golden Mops will be awarded on April 19th at the closing night.
Vanessa Redgrave Retrospective
On Thursday, April 16th, at 11:00 AM at Theater Bremen – Kleines Haus, a public discussion in English will be held on the Vanessa Redgrave retrospective. Key works from her career will be screened during the festival.
Six Venues
Schauburg, Atlantis Filmtheater, City 46, Gondel, Cinema Ostertor, Institut Français, Theater Bremen – all within walking distance in the city center.
Programme Filmfest Bremen 2026
In Advance: Program Preview from March 20, 2026
Individual preview screenings and events will run from March 20, 2026, in Bremen's festival cinemas.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — Festival Opening
- 7:30 PM — Opening Gala & Bremen Film Award of Sparkasse Bremen at Theater am Goetheplatz, bilingual German/English
- Award recipient 2026: Vanessa Redgrave (€8,000, for her lifetime achievement)
- Opening party in the theater foyer afterwards
Thursday, April 16, 2026 — Vanessa Redgrave Day
- 11:00 AM — Public discussion -The Retrospective: Vanessa Redgrave- (in English) at Theater Bremen, Kleines Haus
- During the festival: Screenings of key works from Vanessa Redgrave's career
- Start of competition blocks in all venues
Thursday to Sunday, April 16–19, 2026 — Competitions
A total of eight competitions and special programs:
- German Premieres
- Humour/Satire (in 2025: Best Feature Film €5,000, Best Medium-Length Film €2,500, Best Short Film €1,500)
- Innovation
- BAB Sustainability Award
- Filmaward Diversity (powered by brema and swb)
- WFB Short Film Award
- Bremen & Surroundings (Regional films short and feature)
- Gateways to the World and Globally Local (international sections)
- klappe! 48h — 48-hour film competition
Sunday, April 19, 2026 — Closing Gala
- Awarding of the Golden Mops in all competition categories
Six Venues in the City Center
Schauburg, Atlantis Filmtheater, City 46 (Community Cinema), Gondel, Cinema Ostertor, Institut Français, and Theater Bremen – all within walking distance. International films are usually shown in their original language with German or English subtitles; all events with Vanessa Redgrave in 2026 will be in English.
Highlights Filmfest Bremen 2026
- Bremen Film Award 2026 for British film legend Vanessa Redgrave (April 15, 7:30 PM, Theater am Goetheplatz)
- Public retrospective discussion with Vanessa Redgrave on April 16, 11 AM at Kleines Haus
- 11th edition with competitions and special programs such as Humour/Satire, Innovation, BAB Sustainability, Diversity, klappe! 48h
- Six venues in Bremen's city center: Schauburg, Atlantis, City 46, Gondel, Cinema Ostertor, Theater Bremen
- Awarding of the Golden Mops at the closing on April 19
Prices Filmfest Bremen 2026
Practical information — Filmfest Bremen
Getting There
All venues are located in Bremen's city center and are accessible by tram, bus, or on foot from the main train station. Travel by public transport is recommended, as the city center parking garages fill up quickly on festival days.
Tickets
Tickets are available via Kinoheld, Ticketmaster, and directly at the cinema box offices. Festival passes and single screenings are offered. The opening gala is booked separately through Theater Bremen.
Language
Most international films are shown in their original language with German or English subtitles. Events with Vanessa Redgrave in 2026 will be in English.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Filmfest Bremen al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Filmfest Bremen
Theater Bremen, Schauburg, Atlantis, City 46, Gondel, Cinema Ostertor
Goetheplatz 1-3 (Theater Bremen, Hauptspielstätte), 28195 Bremen