World premieres and stars: Oldenburg Film Festival starts with a bang!

World premieres and stars: Oldenburg Film Festival starts with a bang!

The Oldenburg International Film Festival, a fixture in Northern Germany's cultural calendar, opened its doors today. From September 10th to 13th, 2025, the city will be all about the cinema. Around 50 short and feature films, including 13 world premieres and 13 German premieres, promise an exciting film weekend for all film enthusiasts. The opening ceremony was ushered in with the film “Eugene the Marine” by US director Hank Bedford, which thematically plays with the life of a former soldier whose everyday life is shaken by his son's demand to move into a retirement home and a murderous threat. It is particularly unfortunate that lead actor Scott Glenn was unable to travel due to health problems. This absence will be compensated for by an honorary screening of his works, including the Oscar-winning “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Those who are particularly interested in the film's questions will learn from director Bedford how far they are willing to go to defend the right to a self-determined life. The screening of “Eugene the Marine” not only opens up the competition, but also stimulates reflection on individual decisions and social expectations. The film festival thus places a clear emphasis on reflecting on human dilemmas, according to Stern.

Diversity in the program

But the film festival has much more to offer. Festival director Torsten Neumann pointed out the broader geographical selection of films, which now also includes works from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Laos. Special attention is also paid to the quality of the films, which are not always about perfection, but rather about real stories and innovations in filmmaking. The highlights include the German premiere of the courtroom drama “Re-Creation” by Jim Sheridan and Franz Müller’s long-term project “The Luck of the Tüchtigen”, which continues to tell the stories of his previous characters. Three feature films from Ireland will also be presented, in which actor John Connors plays the leading roles - an unusual and exciting undertaking for the audience.

Another highlight is the retrospective dedicated to the US music producer and director James William Guercio. His 1973 film “Electra Glide in Blue,” which tells the story of a motorcycle cop, will be screened during the festival. Guercio, known for his collaborations with notable bands such as Chicago and the Beach Boys, will answer questions from the audience following the screening, providing a unique opportunity for fans. Oscar winner Michael Wadleigh will also open his documentary “Uncovering Wolfen” to talk to the audience.

Honorary awards and guests

The festival not only aims to discover new talent, but also to give visibility to visual voices and stories. This year, Katherina Tschirner will be recognized for her outstanding acting achievements, underlining the festival's efforts to promote innovative filmmaking. Around 12,000 visitors are expected, who can look forward to a colorful but well thought-out program. The films are shown in various cinemas and theaters in Oldenburg, which creates a sociable atmosphere. Information about tickets and the entire program is available on the festival website, where everyone has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of cinema.

With its unconventional approaches and variety of films, the 32nd Oldenburg International Film Festival is a shining example of how lively and dynamic film culture can be. Don't miss this event!