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It's been so long since Heike Jörss' artwork was tainted with what was supposedly the worst of all evils. No horror movie in the world can compete with the horrors of reality. That was the message. Donald Trump—with his flaming hairstyle and menacing laughter—was the motif Heike chose at the time. Now, almost 10 years later, we know better: things can always get worse. Back then, the pandemic, confused lateral thinkers, and massive gains by neo-Nazi parties were a distant prospect. It was unthinkable that rhetoric within the mainstream political spectrum would follow in the footsteps of the new right. A second term for Trump was unthinkable. War? Come on! We've long since risen above that. Think again! The horrors of the world are still inimitable, and yet it is always in bad times that genre films flourish. Genre cinema depicts and creates spaces for reflection on the unthinkable. It's not always pretty, but it's important.
It is therefore important to take a stand these days. Against Nazi idiots. But also against a rhetorical steamroller that is sweeping through the institutions in the form of Wolfram Weimer. Not only does the Berlinale director have to fear for her job, entire cinema associations are also remaining silent for fear of having the money tap, which is essential for their survival, turned off by the long arm of the law. That's how easily self-censorship becomes established. Are we affected by this? Indirectly, yes, because we are always uncomfortable. Not everything we show is to everyone's liking. Sometimes we even want to provoke thought or question habits. Yes, we are political, and it's annoying. But let's be honest: who started it? The others annoyed us first. That's why we're in the right. Basta.
We are certainly right in our choice of films, because genre cinema is doing things that even we did not expect. Old patterns continue to recede and new ones are breaking through. The first signs of a resolution to the much-cited "male gaze" are becoming apparent. This is fresh and new and leaves the veneer of protest behind. Rather, it is movement! So we too are allowing ourselves to be moved, bathing in a sea of new, progressive ideas and revelling in the fact that genre cinema can do anything except self-censorship.
For the freedom of a critical, mature, and tolerant society. For you!
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A total of 20 film premieres in 2026. Of these, 4 world premieres [W]; 1 international premiere [I]; 1 European premiere [E]; 14 German premieres [D];
Guests present at the screening
Paul Urkijo Alijo brings the Basque Country into the spotlight for genre fans. Even in his early short films, myths and atmosphere shaped his work, a trend that is abundantly clear in his feature films ERREMENTARI, IRATI, and GAUA. Paul makes it abundantly clear: we are dealing here with one of the most talented fantasy directors of our time. We are thrilled that the metalhead from the distant Basque Country will be personally presenting his work in Regensburg at this year’s Director’s Spotlight.
For several years now, we’ve been inviting our Director’s Spotlight filmmakers to lead a masterclass here. In just one to two hours, you’ll have the unique opportunity to delve into the body of work of these filmmakers. Join us and discover the full scope of Paul Urkijo Alijo’s work, learn about the connections firsthand, and find what makes it special in the details. Once again this year, the masterclass is open to everyone—and completely free of charge. Don’t miss out!
For years, we’ve been scouring the scene, reviewing and keeping an eye on releases and trends. One thing has become clearer than ever: German genre film is alive and well. It’s niche, but that also gives it the freedom to experiment. However, funding structures are also needed to turn visions into reality. We can’t offer funding, but we can provide spaces for young filmmakers. We’re presenting five projects: a mid-length film, three short films, and a project pitch. Let’s take a look.
The Hindu goddess of death, Kali, embodies the creative force behind destruction—an inseparable symbiosis of light and shadow. A dualism that equally applies to the progressive rock band of the same name from Regensburg. The sound of these six musicians is built on profound concepts, ethereal melodies, and pounding polyrhythms… Comparisons to “Porcupine Tree” and “Soen” are practically inevitable. And yet, Kali is unique to the core. Psychedelic, melodic, powerful, and live here with us!
Vinyl junkies, take note! Wolly Winker and UglyfaceButterhand will liven up the late hours at the cinema bar with a concentrated dose of indie power—from post-punk to post-bank, hip-hop to flip-flop, strumming to clanging. Starting Saturday, around 10 p.m., two regional DJ heavyweights will serve up musical curiosities: Disco Zombies meet Shivvers, Bowie sparkles, Ezra Furman puffs out smoke, House of Pain booms, and cumbia invites you to a dance of death. Whether it’s clearance bin finds or the finest shellac—one thing’s for sure: vinyl only, all night long!
Every year, short film festivals prove that the scene is thriving! Even if it mostly remains confined to the festival circuit and lacks commercial distribution channels. This makes it all the more important to pay tribute to the films and their creators. We’re doing just that with two short film blocks and a special screening. Four international highlights, ten Méliès nominees, and a highlight of local film art are on the program. The competition winner will go on to Sitges. Here, too, a jury of experts will decide. Let’s take a look!
