German film highlight: Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” conquers Locarno!

German film highlight: Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” conquers Locarno!

The 78th Locarno Film Festival opened its doors on August 10, 2025 and is attracting not only film fans but also the eyes of the critical press. The focus is on the German feature film “Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen”, which openly showcases the passion of the filmmakers. The director Julian Radlmaier, known for his much-discussed film “Bloodsuckers”, takes a deep look at young women’s search for identity with his new work and offers a multi-faceted picture of society.

“Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” is considered the top favorite in the international competition for the coveted Golden Leopard. This year a total of 18 films from all over the world are competing for this award, with the German contribution being particularly popular. In addition to the main film, “White Snail” and “With Hasan in Gaza”, two other works with German participation are in the running, which are also causing a stir.

A look at the competition films

The film “White Snail” deals with a Belarusian woman’s dream of a modeling career and highlights the social boundaries she has to overcome. In contrast, “With Hasan in Gaza” deals with everyday life in the Gaza Strip in 2001 and asks viewers to reflect on the realities of life there.

Emma Thompson, one of the acting legends, will be presented with an honorary award at the festival. The honor recognizes her impressive role in a thriller, while Jackie Chan is honored with the Golden Leopard for his life's work. The awards ceremony will take place on August 16th in a festive gala in the Piazza Grande, where films will be shown outdoors and the audience will vote for their favorites.

German film presentation in Locarno

It is also impressive that 22 of the 222 films shown, around 10 percent, were co-produced by German filmmakers. This shows the increasing importance of German film on the international scene and gives hope for future success. As a special novelty, the films are presented in different languages ​​- there are screenings of "Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen" in the original version with subtitles in English and French.

The genres are diverse this year, and the festival also remains relevant as a platform for emerging talent. Local festivals, like those taking place in Germany, showcase a wide range of art and film forms that promote creative exchange and captivate audiences. Over 60 international film festivals in Germany offer directors and artists the opportunity to present their works and exchange ideas with others, which enriches film culture in this country.

We are excited to see which films will ultimately win the favor of the audience and the jury. It remains to be seen whether “Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” will actually secure the Golden Leopard. What is already certain, however, is that the Locarno Film Festival will once again present a highlight for film enthusiasts from near and far.