Filmfest Hamburg

Occurring in the month of October, Filmfest Hamburg is an international film festival of some repute. The Filmfest show over 100 feature films and over 30 short films at the Abaton, Zeise, Metropolis, 3001 and Cinemaxx cinemas in Hamburg.

Filmfest Hamburg pays particular attention to first time directors who find it difficult to market their movies. Apart from screening movies from Asia, Europe and Australia, Filmfest Hamburg also lends an encouraging hand to the local directors as well. The winner of the main award of the festival is adjudged by the audience; Filmfest Hamburg also gives Douglas Sirk prize to those noteworthy personalities for their contribution to world cinema.

Filmfest Hamburg is divided into many sections- KinderFilmfest focuses on German and international animation films; Deluxe category showcases movies from various countries; Eurovisuell presents those films that have gone well with the European audience and Filmszene Hamburg shows those movies that are made in or about Hamburg.

Some of the awards that are presented in the Filmfest Hamburg are-

Douglas-Sirk-Award-
Douglas-Sirk-Award is presented to those individuals who have been giants in the film industry for a long time. Some of the notable recipients of the award have been Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Isabelle Huppert and many more.

Otto-Sprenger Award-
The award carries a worth of 10,000 euros and is given to the best debut director. The prize money was left behind by Otto Sprenger, a great film patron.

Hamburg Film Critic Award-

The winner of the award is judged by a jury comprising four journalists. The films may include international big-budget movies or a small time production.

Universal Pictures “Michel” Award

The ‘Michel’ award started in 2004 and is given to the best child film. A child jury is given the responsibility of making the selection. The ‘Michel’ award comes with a prize money of 2,500 euro.