Film festivals in Berlin and beyond

The Berlin International Film Festival – the Berlinale – is one of the most important occasions for the world's film industry.

But beyond this high-profile media spectacle, Germany has a packed calendar of events showcasing film makers and directors. At the forefront of this are innovative productions by internationally regarded artists that sit well outside the mainstream.

Lübeck Nordic Film Festival is the largest outside Scandinavia devoted exclusively to Nordic cinema. From 3 to 7 November 2010, the 52nd edition of this popular festival will once again present the very best in feature films, shorts and documentaries from Scandinavia, the Baltic states and northern Germany. In 2009, some 24,000 cinema-goers visited the 160 or so screenings and associated events (luebeck.de/filmtage/de).

Short films come under the spotlight at the International Short Film Festival in Dresden, which has established itself as the genre's premier showcase event. It takes place for the 23rd time from 12 to 17 April 2011, but those who can't wait until then can see some of last year's highlights on the festival's Germany tour: 24 July in Dresden, 29 July in Munich and 17 August in Jena (filmfest-dresden.de).

From 27 April to 1 May 2011, the European Media Art Festival (EMAF) in Osnabrück will explore the latest in media art, from experimental films, installations and performances to digital formats and hybrid forms. International artists and institutions will be presenting fresh, innovative works. The EMAF, which is held every year, ranks among the most influential forums for international media art. (emaf.de).

The annual sehsüchte student film festival in Potsdam celebrates the next generation of international movie-making talent. Up-and-coming directors, guests and audiences gather together for this multicultural melting pot every April. The festival programme includes many events that run in parallel to the screenings. These include panel discussions and workshop lectures to promote lively discussion and the legendary sehsüchte parties which carry on until dawn. The sehsüchte festival celebrates its 40th birthday in 2011 (sehsuechte.de).

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