kontrast Filmfest Bayreuth
Bayreuth's international short film festival since 2000
About kontrast Filmfest
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Bayreuth's Short Film Festival with a Profile
The kontrast Filmfest is Bayreuth's international short film festival and has been running since 2000. It is run on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Bayreuther Filmfest e.V. The venue is the ZENTRUM – International Youth Culture Centre at Äußere Badstraße in the independent city of Bayreuth, Upper Franconia.
A Curated Selection
A carefully curated selection of international short films, with a maximum length of around 30 minutes, is shown – ranging from animation and experimental film to short feature films and documentaries. The festival sees itself as a platform for filmmakers of all experience levels and emphasizes a varied, sophisticated program mix.
Special Theme and Supporting Program
Each year, kontrast dedicates itself to a special theme, which bundles a portion of the films and invites the audience to change perspectives. The film program is complemented by children's film blocks, an art action, an expert lecture, the music and visual performance »Mischmaschine« on Friday evening, and the Filmfest party with live music, DJs, and the presentation of the winning films.
Awards and Audience
Awards include an audience award (supported by Sparkasse Bayreuth) and a theme award. With its clear focus on short films, its voluntary commitment, and its anchoring in youth culture, kontrast is a firm fixture in the cultural calendar of Bayreuth and Upper Franconia.
kontrast Filmfest — edition 2026
The 26th edition of the kontrast Filmfest takes place from February 20 to 22, 2026, at the ZENTRUM – International Youth Culture Centre in Bayreuth. The 2026 special theme is »What If«: the subjunctive mood opens up possibilities, questions certainties, and allows for thinking about alternative scenarios. A total of 61 international short films will be shown – from animation and experimental film to short feature films and documentaries – 13 of which are under the special theme. The program is complemented by children's film blocks, an art action, an expert lecture, the music and visual performance »Mischmaschine« on Friday evening, and the Filmfest party with live music, DJs, and an awards ceremony. The opening block begins on Friday at 7 p.m.; the »kontrast zu gast« session will take place beforehand on February 17.
Programme kontrast Filmfest 2026
- Tue, Feb 17 – Pre-program »kontrast zu gast«, Gülden-Glöbe session
- Fri, Feb 20 – 7 p.m. Opening block, »Mischmaschine« performance
- Sat, Feb 21 – Film blocks, Special theme »What If«, Expert lecture, Filmfest party with awards ceremony
- Sun, Feb 22 – Children's film blocks, further program blocks, closing
Highlights kontrast Filmfest 2026
- 61 international short films, 13 of which on the special theme »What If«
- »Mischmaschine« performance on Friday evening
- Children's film blocks and expert lecture
- Filmfest party with live music and awards ceremony (Audience Award, Theme Award)
Prices kontrast Filmfest 2026
Practical information — kontrast Filmfest
Getting Here
Bayreuth is accessible via the A9 motorway and the Nuremberg–Bayreuth railway line. The ZENTRUM is located at Äußere Badstraße 7a, within walking distance or reachable by city bus.
Admission
Single ticket €7 (concession for students €5), four-ticket pass €25 (concession €17).
Note
The opening program starts at 7 p.m. on Fridays. Current program at kontrast-filmfest.de.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place kontrast Filmfest
ZENTRUM – Internationales Jugendkulturzentrum Bayreuth
Äußere Badstraße 7a, 95448 Bayreuth