GIEFF – German International Ethnographic Film Festival
International Festival for Ethnographic Documentary Film in Göttingen's Paulinerkirche
About GIEFF Göttingen
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Ethnographic Documentary Film as a Genre
Ethnographic documentary film is a genre that uses visual observation as a methodological tool to explore life worlds and cultures. The films mostly forgo the staging of classic feature film dramaturgy and instead follow the rhythms of observed everyday life. This creates documents that stand between cultural science research and cinematic art, offering a special perspective on the diversity of human life forms.
Student Competition and Main Festival
GIEFF divides its program into two sections. The student competition on May 13th and 14th, 2026, is dedicated to works by students and young filmmakers. The festival thus provides a platform for the next generation of ethnographic filmmakers and promotes the connection between academic education and film practice. The main festival, starting Thursday afternoon, May 14th, presents the curated main programs with international documentary films.
Paulinerkirche as a Venue
The Paulinerkirche in the building of the Göttingen State and University Library (SUB) is an extraordinary venue. The former church has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural space and is now a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings. Its historical character, spatial generosity, and intimate atmosphere make the Paulinerkirche a special place for GIEFF.
International Profile
The program includes films from numerous countries and continents. The spectrum ranges from African village documentaries and Latin American observations of indigenous communities to Asian urban ethnographies. GIEFF thus offers a view of the global diversity of human life worlds – without folkloristic idealization, but in the sober observation of documentary film.
Expert Discussions and Accompanying Program
The film screenings are accompanied by expert discussions with attending filmmakers, film scholars, and ethnologists. These Q&A sessions are an essential part of the festival and allow for a deeper understanding of the films shown.
GIEFF Göttingen — edition 2026
The festival follows a clearly structured program logic. The student competition at the beginning allows young filmmakers to present their work to an expert audience and receive feedback. The main festival offers curated programs with international documentary films that explore diverse life worlds and cultures.
The Paulinerkirche as a venue gives the festival its special atmosphere. The former church in the building of the State and University Library is now a multifunctional cultural space with a unique character. The spatial generosity and intimate atmosphere are ideally suited to the contemplative nature of ethnographic film.
Programme GIEFF Göttingen 2026
May 13 – 14, 2026 – Student Competition
- Works by students and young filmmakers
- Presentation in the Paulinerkirche
- Jury assessment and Q&A sessions
May 14 – 17, 2026 – Main Festival
- Start Thursday, May 14th, 2:00 PM
- International documentary films from several continents
- Curated main programs
- Expert discussions with filmmakers and ethnologists
- Q&A sessions after the films
- Festival meeting point for the international film scene
Full program at gieff.de/programme_2026.html.
Highlights GIEFF Göttingen 2026
- International festival for ethnographic documentary film
- Student competition for emerging filmmakers
- Main festival in the Paulinerkirche
- Q&A sessions with filmmakers and ethnologists
- International meeting point for the ethnographic film scene
Prices GIEFF Göttingen 2026
Practical information — GIEFF Göttingen
Venue
Paulinerkirche of the SUB Göttingen, Papendiek 14, 37073 Göttingen.
Getting There
By train to Göttingen Central Station, a few minutes' walk to the city center. By car via the A7; parking in the city center parking garages.
Date 2026
Student Competition: May 13 – 14, 2026. Main Festival: from Thursday, May 14, 2:00 PM, until Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Current information at gieff.de.
Organizer
GIEFF – German International Ethnographic Film Festival. Program overview at gieff.de/programme_2026.html.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a GIEFF Göttingen al mejor precio.
Sponsored link