20,000 visitors celebrate the large film festival Emden-Norderney 2025!

20,000 visitors celebrate the large film festival Emden-Norderney 2025!

Over 20,000 cinema fans flocked to the 35th International Film Festival Emden-Norderney, which ended successfully on June 18, 2025. With around 21,000 visitors, the number remained constant at the previous year's level, despite the warm summer weather, which caused lower visitor numbers, especially on Norderney. Managing Director Birgit Momberger was positive about the response and the new number of participants in the school program, where many students were able to experience the films up close. A total of impressive 51 long and 28 short films from eight European countries as well as Canada, India and Australia were presented, which the festival did more international.

A highlight was the award of the Canadian film production "Skeet" by director Nik Sexton, who won both the main prize and the score Bernhard Wicki with a total value of 17,000 euros. "Skeet" tells the moving story of a former prisoner who desperately tries to repair the relationship with his son. This year, 21 films had made it into the closer election for the main prize, the winner of which was determined by a public vote. In addition to “Skeet”, films from Finland, Iceland, Belgium and France were also awarded.

special features and encounters

The event was characterized by beautiful encounters, such as the one with Emil Steinberger, who presented his film portrait "Typical Emil". His appearance was celebrated with standing ovation and became the emotional highlight of the festival. The cancellation of Nora Tschirner, which could not be present due to illness, was more difficult, but the organizers did not hold their positive mood.

The festival not only offered an excellent film offer, but also innovative formats such as "Film & Food" that were very well received. The more than 100 trade visitors who took part in the industry events gave consistently positive feedback. Edzard Wagenaar, the festival manager, reported an excellent response to the selection of films and the commitment of the participants and guests.

The future of the film festival

The 36th International Film Festival Emden-Norderney is already scheduled for the period from June 3 to 10, 2026. The goal remains to further establish the festival as an international meeting point for film art and film economy. Visitors can be excited to see which new pearls and talents will bring the next year.

More information about the current developments and the figures of the German film and cinema industry can be found on the website of the Filmförderungsanstalt , which regularly publishes important market data.

This is how the Filmfest EMDEN-NADERNEY remains an indispensable part of the north German cultural scene, which not only celebrates local but also international film art and promotes exchange among filmmakers.