German Filmfest 2016 kicks off celebrating the best of German cinema

The German Filmfest has kicked off in Sydney this week - celebrating the best of German cinema - in four cities around Australia.

'Me and Kaminski' starring Daniel Brühl is one of the films to feature at the 2016 German FilmFest in Australia Source: Supplied

After 18 months of waiting the German Filmfest returns to Australia, showcasing German's thriving filmmaking industry and bringing contemporary, award-winning and internationally acclaimed German language films as well as international co-productions to four major cities.

The event kicked off in Sydney Leichhardt last night

36 productions

The festival, spread over 16 days, features a wide range of movies and documentaries encompassing current international big sellers, high-class documentaries, blasts from the past and family favourites. Some of the highlights are below:

Toni Erdmann

Toni Erdmann (2016) Source: SBS Movies

The Cannes-decorated comedy about a father trying to cheer up his daughter has won great acclaim with the critics internationally. Read more about it here at SBS Movies.

 

Fukushima, Mon Amour

Fukushima, Mon Amour (2016) Source: Supplied

A 'radiation vacation' tale set in the fallout zone of Japan's nuclear zone. 

 

Every Thing Will Be Fine

Every Thing Will Be Fine starring James Franco, directed by Wim Weenders Source: Supplied

The Oscar winner Wim Wenders' feature starring some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Dirty Games

Der Film enthüllt die dunklen Machenschaften innerhalb des milliardenschweren Sportgeschäfts. Source: www.dirtygames-film.com

The documentary, which highlights Australia´s fruitless World Cup bidding efforts, is an expedition to the dirty abyss of professional sports. It takes a global look behind the scenes at the colourful world of sports and exposes the bitter taste behind the multi-billion sports business. Hear SBS German's review here. 

The Legend of Paul and Paula

The Legend of Paul and Paula (1973) Source: Supplied

The 1973 blast from the past is one of DEFA's greatest successes. 

Heidi

Heidi - the 2015 reboot Source: Supplied

Kids features will screen at the festival too - as well as hits from neighboring countries - for instance all-time favourite "Heidi" in a new reboot. 

But it´s not just the movies - meet special guests, actors, experts or critics for one of the festival´s panel discussions. Become part of a theme night or school screening. Or celebrate in style during the Opening and Closing Party or the Club Night.

Don't miss anything. Watch a sneak preview below and find a full guide here.

Where and When?

SYDNEY:  15 - 29 November (Chauvel Cinema/Palace Norton Street)              

BRISBANE: 25 - 30 November (Palace Barracks/Como)

MELBOURNE: 17 - 30 November (Palace Cinema Como/Kino Cinemas/Palace Westgarth)

CANBERRA: 24 - 27 November (Palace Electric)

Now in his 15th year, the German Filmfest is known as a major cultural event for Australia´s broad German speaking community as well as cineastes from all around the world. It´s been organised by the Goethe Institute, Germany´s worldwide active cultural institute, and German Films, supported by a range of partners.

Over 25 films face their Australian premiere. German language ones will be shown with English subtitles.

Need a ticket?

Tickets for all four cities can be purchased online in advance.

SBS will be covering the festival on its various platforms.

Watch out for SBS German and Facebook SBS German

Source: Goethe Institut