Internationales Filmfest Oldenburg

33rd Edition of an Established Independent Film Festival

Founded in 1994, the International Filmfest Oldenburg has developed into one of Germany's most significant festivals for independent cinema over more than three decades. With its 33rd edition in September 2026, the festival continues its success story and remains a central platform for independent film from around the world.

Non-Competitive with a Clear Profile

Unlike many major festivals, the International Filmfest Oldenburg is non-competitive. Instead of awarding prizes, the focus is on the presentation and discussion of the films themselves. This approach creates a special atmosphere: filmmakers, actors, and audiences meet on equal footing, and the discussion about the films remains paramount.

Germany's Most Important Independent Film Festival

In the German festival landscape, Oldenburg has established itself as the most important independent film festival. While festivals like the Berlinale present a broad spectrum of films of all sizes, Oldenburg consistently focuses on independent cinema – films outside the major studio productions, often with small budgets, bold themes, and a distinctive artistic signature.

Festival in the Oldenburg City Center

The venues are various cinemas and festival hubs in the Oldenburg city center. This decentralized structure makes the festival very accessible to the public – anyone in Oldenburg during the festival period will encounter the festival atmosphere everywhere. The short distances between venues and the compact city center make attending the festival a relaxed experience.

International Filmmakers as Regular Guests

The Filmfest Oldenburg has become a meeting point for international filmmakers. Directors, actors, and producers from the USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Scandinavia, and many other countries travel to Oldenburg every year. Their presence and the encounters with the audience make the festival more than just a film screening – it becomes a vibrant cultural event.

Date 2026: September 16th to 20th

The 2026 Filmfest will take place from September 16th to 20th. Five days of independent cinema in Oldenburg – a date that film lovers from all over Germany should mark in their calendars.