German genre cinema – where is it headed? This isn’t the first time we’ve asked ourselves this question. Every year, we meticulously and systematically search for German films in the horror, thriller, and science fiction genres. We wait for submissions—simply because we find what’s happening in this country important and interesting. But we never really get that many. I wonder why that is?
Still, there are always a few gems to be found! And 2026 is no exception. That’s why we’re dedicating a special slot to German genre cinema this year. We’ll be featuring two brand-new productions, which we’re even presenting as world premieres. The slot will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ostentorkino. What’s on the program? Here you go!
CELESTIAL BODIES / Germany 2025 / 63 min.
World premiere
Summary:
“Who are you?”—That’s what the desperately lonely young Benni asks the unknown, strangely organic-looking planet he’s spotted in the sky, one that’s drawing ever closer to our Earth. But he’s also asking himself and his own body. Because his body is clearly not okay at all. Something is moving beneath his abdominal wall. Something pulsating, slimy. And it wants to get out. It looks as if the world has something very special planned for him. Whatever world that may be.
About the film:
A stranger in the world? A stranger in your own body? *HIMMELSKÖRPER* is a striking blend of body horror, sci-fi, and drama.
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KRAMPUS / Germany 2026 / 30 min.
World premiere
Here's what it's all about:
While his father drowns his sorrows in drink, his stepmother never misses an opportunity to bully young Xaver. Xaver’s stepsister Maria is always there to support him. But when he is also bullied by the village children, even she can no longer help. So all that remains for Xaver is to cry out into the darkness—a cry of despair and a cry for vengeance. And lo and behold: his cry is heard…
About the film:
Folk horror made in Germany. In picturesque black-and-white, director Florian Ecker captures the Bavarian countryside, much as Eggers captured the forests of Ontario as 17th-century New England.
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Following the two films, we’ve planned an in-depth Q&A session, during which we’ll also explore why German genre films have such a hard time breaking through. After the Q&A, we’d like to give two up-and-coming filmmakers the opportunity to promote their projects. Learn more here…
Live Pitch: THE MAN FROM SOMALIA
Here's what it's all about:
A Somali refugee, who wants nothing more than peace for himself and his family, must defend himself against a group of neo-Nazis.
About the project:
The pitch for *THE MAN FROM SOMALIA* will conclude our special program “Highlights of German Cinema.” The directing duoNik Sentenza and Johannes Kizler will be our guests and will present their project.
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