36th International Film Festival Emden-Norderney
Edition 2026 Music Cinema Short film

36th International Film Festival Emden-Norderney

23 European feature films, documentaries, and short films on the Norderney stage

Norderney — Landkreis Aurich (03452) Since 1990
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Dates 03 Jun — 10 Jun 2026
Venue Norderney (03452)
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About Filmfest Emden-Norderney

The International Film Festival Emden-Norderney is one of the most renowned film festivals in Northern Germany. The 36th edition in 2026 will take place from June 3rd to 10th, with its own section on Norderney for the 27th time. 23 European feature films, documentaries, and short films will be shown at the Kurtheater Norderney and as an open-air cinema on the Kurplatz. The Warm-Up on the Kurplatz on June 2nd kicks off the summer of film. A unique cinema experience against the backdrop of the North Sea island with European standards and a maritime atmosphere.

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Film Festival with Island Stage

The International Film Festival Emden-Norderney has been one of the most important film festivals in northwestern Germany since 1990. The focus is on European feature films, documentaries, and short films, with a particular affinity for British and Northern European productions. While the main section takes place in Emden, the Norderney section has established itself over the years as an independent program block – for the 27th time in 2026.

23 Films on the Island

In 2026, 23 films will be shown on Norderney: selected feature films from the competition, documentaries, short film program blocks, and special screenings. The venues are the traditional Kurtheater Norderney and – weather permitting – the open-air screen on the Kurplatz. This dual use combines a classic cinema setting with a unique island atmosphere.

Warm-Up on June 2nd

Already on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Warm-Up on the Kurplatz will mark the start of the festival week. The main program begins on June 3rd. Discussions with directors, actors, and film critics complement the screenings – an aspect that distinguishes the Film Festival from a mere series of film showings.

European Standards in a Maritime Setting

Over the years, the festival has developed a clear identity: sophisticated European cinema, curated by a competent program team, presented in a maritime island setting that enriches the film experience with an additional dimension. Those who travel to Norderney in June can combine film enjoyment with beach, dunes, and island air.

Filmfest Emden-Norderney — edition 2026

From Wednesday, June 3rd, to Wednesday, June 10th, 2026, the 36th edition of the International Film Festival Emden-Norderney will take place with its own section on Norderney – for the 27th time. 23 European feature films, documentaries, and short films will be shown at the Kurtheater Norderney and as open-air screenings on the Kurplatz. The Warm-Up on the Kurplatz on Tuesday, June 2nd, kicks off the festival week. Discussions with directors and actors complement the program. The complete film list, schedules, and competition entries will be published by the Film Festival on filmfest-emden.de and norderney-zs.de.

The Norderney section is an independent program block with its own dramaturgy. The open-air screen on the Kurplatz is weather-dependent – in case of rain, films will be moved to the Kurtheater. The festival works closely with the Norderney spa administration and tourism board.

Programme Filmfest Emden-Norderney 2026

Program Structure (Based on previous years and festival announcement)

The exact film list for 2026 will be published on filmfest-emden.de. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:

  • Tue 02/06 (Warm-Up): festive opening on the Kurplatz with an open-air screening
  • Wed 03/06–Wed 10/06: main program running concurrently in Emden and Norderney
  • Norderney Program: 23 films in 8 days, averaging 3 screenings daily
  • Screening Types: European feature films (competition and special), documentaries, short film blocks, special programs
  • Film Discussions: after selected screenings with filmmakers and actors
  • Open-Air Screenings on the Kurplatz: weather-dependent, relocation to the Kurtheater in case of rain

Thematic Focus (Typical)

  • European feature films, with a focus on British and Northern European productions
  • Socio-political documentaries
  • International short film programs
  • Special children's film screening in the Norderney program

Festival Atmosphere

  • Proximity to the beach and island flair between screenings
  • Festival meeting points in Norderney's gastronomy
  • Opportunity to combine film and beach vacation

Highlights Filmfest Emden-Norderney 2026

27th Film Festival section on Norderney with 23 European films at the Kurtheater and open-air on the Kurplatz. Warm-Up on the Kurplatz on June 2nd. Discussions with directors. Sophisticated European cinema in a unique island setting.

Prices Filmfest Emden-Norderney 2026

Tickets via filmfest-emden.de and Norderney Tourist Information. Festival passes and single tickets available.

Practical information — Filmfest Emden-Norderney

Location

Norderney: Kurtheater (main venue) and open-air screen on the Kurplatz. Main festival runs concurrently in Emden.

Date 2026

Wednesday to Wednesday, June 3–10, 2026. Warm-Up: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, on the Kurplatz Norderney.

Tickets

Via the official festival website filmfest-emden.de and norderney.de.

Getting There

Norderney by ferry from Norddeich Mole. Kurplatz and Kurtheater are within walking distance of the harbor.

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Filmfest Emden-Norderney at a glance

Music Cinema Short film Documentary Independent cinema Open-air cinema Multidisciplinary International Landkreis Aurich