Munich Film Festival 2025: Glitter, glamor and new perspectives!

Munich Film Festival 2025: Glitter, glamor and new perspectives!

What's happening in the film world? Things are going really well in Munich right now! The Munich Film Festival has started and runs until July 6th. With over 160 films from all over the world, the festival proves once again that the screen is a place full of diversity and creativity. Visitors can look forward to lots of events: premieres, audience discussions, receptions, parties and award ceremonies are on the program.

The opening film “The Ballad of Wallis Island”, a British comedy by James Griffiths, marked the start of an exciting week. Even Prime Minister Markus Söder underlined the important role that cinema plays in democracy at the opening. Anyone interested in German productions can look forward to, for example, “Miss Sophie – Same Procedure as Every Year” and a new edition of “Girls Girls”. A mystery thriller called “Brick” will also be shown. The spectrum ranges from comedies to dramas to gripping thrillers.

Various perspectives in the program

A highlight of the festival is the newly introduced QMS Award, which has set itself the task of making queer realities more visible. The events around the topic of queer films are particularly exciting. A key element of this is the event on June 29th, which is entitled “FILMTALK: QUEER EMPOWERMENT: RIO/CHICAGO 1980S”. Here we take a look back at the changes in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s.

But that's not all! With new works such as “OXYGEN MASKS WILL NOT DROP AUTOMATICALLY”, a story about a Brazilian flight attendant that addresses the consequences of the AIDS pandemic, and “I ONLY REST IN THE STORM”, which deals with identity in a globalized world, the filmmakers provide important impulses. “IN THE NAME OF THE EMPRESS” also comes into play with an exciting pinch of history, encouraging the audience to discover and discuss together.

Special guests and awards

A very special honor awaits actor Stellan Skarsgard, who will receive the CineMerit Award and present his new film “Sentimental Value”. Additionally, Gillian Anderson will be honored on Tuesday, bringing with her her latest film, “The Salt Trail.” These top-class guests are another reason why the Munich Film Festival is so popular and an absolute must for film fans.

From July 3rd to 6th, the focus will also be on the festival of the future. The topic of virtual worlds is discussed here, an area that is increasingly occupying us all and leading us into the future.

Overall, the event is a colorful mix full of stories that need to be told and offers a platform for the diverse voices of the film world. A certain feeling for the present and future of cinema, and at the same time a celebration of creativity in the best sense. If you're not there yet, you should go to the cinema as quickly as possible!