Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival
Most important festival for emerging filmmakers in the German-speaking world
About Max Ophüls Prize
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Max Ophüls Prize al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Max Ophüls and Saarbrücken's Film Heritage
Max Ophüls (1902–1957), born in Saarbrücken, was one of the most important film directors of the 20th century. Films like 'Lola Montès' and 'Madame de…' made him a legend. In 1980, the city of Saarbrücken named its film festival after him – giving it a clear focus from the outset: young, artistically ambitious films from the German-speaking world.
Most Important Emerging Talent Award in the DACH Region
Today, the MOP is considered the most important stage for young German-speaking filmmakers. Over 1,250 films were submitted for the 47th edition in 2026 – a record number. Selection committees composed of film critics, industry representatives, and festival curators review these submissions and assemble the various competition sections: feature film, documentary, medium-length film, short film. Main prizes are awarded in each category, along with numerous special prizes.
Saarbrücken in January — A City Feverish with Film
For seven days, CineStar Saarbrücken on St. Johanner Straße is the pulsating center of the festival. In addition, films are shown at Camera Zwo, Filmhaus Saarbrücken, and occasionally at Theater im Viertel. The city itself—usually rather tranquil in winter—transforms for a week into a meeting point for the film industry from across the German-speaking world.
MOP-Industry and Lola's Bistro
In addition to the public film program, the MOP has two other important pillars: MOP-Industry is the industry program with workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for young filmmakers. Here, directors meet producers, screenwriters meet funding bodies, newcomers meet experienced industry veterans. Lola's Bistro—named after Ophüls' film character Lola—is the unofficial festival club, transforming night after night into a meeting point for industry professionals and audiences.
Review of the 47th Edition — January 2026
The 47th edition, from January 19th to 25th, 2026, attracted 36,168 cinema visits. The opening film was 'Sie glauben an Engel, Herr Drowak?' by Swiss director Nicolas Steiner, starring Luna Wedler and Karl Markovics. The main prize in the feature film competition went to 'Gropiusstadt Supernova' by Ben Voit. The Ecumenical Jury honored 'Wovon sollen wir träumen' by Milena Aboyan and Constantin Hatz.
Saarbrücken — Hub of German-French Film Culture
The MOP sees itself not only as a German festival but as a cross-border stage. Its proximity to France, close ties to Saarland University, and long-standing partnership with the Saint-Etienne Film Festival make Saarbrücken a natural venue for German-French film discussions. The festival itself operates multilingually: German, English, and French subtitles and translations are standard.
Max Ophüls Prize — edition 2027
As in previous years, CineStar Saarbrücken on St. Johanner Straße will be the central venue. Additionally, films will be shown at Camera Zwo, Filmhaus Saarbrücken, and other locations. The opening film, competition sections, awards ceremony, and industry program are the classic pillars.
Submissions for competition films: July 15th to October 31st, 2026. Submissions for the supporting program: July 15th to September 30th, 2026. The selection committees will meet afterward, and the program announcement will follow in November/December 2026.
Programme Max Ophüls Prize 2027
Sunday, January 25, 2027 — Opening
- Evening — Opening ceremony at CineStar Saarbrücken with the opening film
- Start of MOP-Industry and Lola's Bistro
Monday, January 26 – Friday, January 30, 2027 — Competition
- Daytime — Competition films in the feature film, documentary, medium-length film, and short film sections
- Evening — Competition films with audience Q&A sessions
- MOP-Industry panels and workshops running concurrently
- Late Evening — Lola's Bistro as the festival club
Saturday, January 30, 2027 — Awards Ceremony
- Grand awards ceremony with all main prizes
- Closing party
Sunday, January 31, 2027 — Best-Of Day
- Re-screenings of award-winning films and audience favorites
- Festival closing
The detailed 2027 program will be published from December 2026 on ffmop.de.
Highlights Max Ophüls Prize 2027
- 48th edition of the most important festival for emerging talent in the DACH region
- Main venue CineStar Saarbrücken
- Several competition sections with main prizes
- MOP-Industry — Industry program for young filmmakers
Prices Max Ophüls Prize 2027
Single tickets, day tickets, and festival passes available via the official website. Accreditations for industry guests, journalists, and filmmakers are free or discounted — form available on ffmop.de.
Practical information — Max Ophüls Prize
Main Venue
CineStar Saarbrücken, St. Johanner Straße 61, 66111 Saarbrücken — directly on St. Johanner Markt in the city center. Other venues: Filmhaus Saarbrücken (Mainzer Straße 8), Camera Zwo (Futterstraße 5), Theater im Viertel.
Getting There
Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof (main train station) — ICE/TGV connections to Paris, Frankfurt, Mannheim. A 10-minute walk from the main station to St. Johanner Straße / CineStar.
By Car
The A6 and A8 motorways connect Saarbrücken with the surrounding major regions. Parking garages available at St. Johanner Markt, Schlossplatz, or Bahnhofstraße.
Tickets and Accreditation
Day tickets, festival passes, and single tickets available via the official website and at the box offices of the venues. Industry accreditations for filmmakers, journalists, and industry guests via the accreditation form on ffmop.de.
Accommodation
Hotels in Saarbrücken city center (Hotel La Résidence, Centro Hotel, Best Western, Ibis). Can be fully booked during the festival — reserve well in advance.
Submissions for 2027
Competition films: July 15th to October 31st, 2026. Films for the supporting program: July 15th to September 30th, 2026. Submissions via the festival website. Requirements: Filmmakers from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland; German-language-influenced film.
Accessibility
Most venues are accessible. Hearing aids, audio-described screenings, and subtitles are offered. Information available from the festival office.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Max Ophüls Prize al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Max Ophüls Prize
CineStar Saarbrücken und weitere Spielstätten
St. Johanner Straße 61, 66111 Saarbrücken