Star shine in Ludwigshafen: Edgar Reitz is honored at the festival!

Star shine in Ludwigshafen: Edgar Reitz is honored at the festival!

An exciting film event is just around the corner! The 21st “Festival of German Film” will take place in Ludwigshafen from August 20th to September 7th, 2025, which has established itself as the second largest film festival in Germany. The opening will be celebrated on August 20th with the film “Petra goes swimming” by Rainer Kaufmann in the tent cinema. Lead actors Ulrike Kriener, who embodies the role of Petra, and Rolf Lassgärd as Erik bring momentum to this turbulent holiday story, which also brings Petra's ex Bruno and his daughter Georgette into play. This encounter promises amusing situations and unexpected twists.

A special highlight of the festival is the honoring of Edgar Reitz on August 23rd. The 92-year-old filmmaker, known for his diverse works, is being honored for his life's achievement. Reitz, who was born in Morbach in the Hunsrück, enjoyed great success with his films such as the “Heimat” trilogy. On this day he will also be showing his current film “Leibniz – Chronicle of a Lost Picture”. The laudation will be given by Dr. Michael Kötz, the festival director, will hold. Reitz, who received an honorary award, is considered a defining figure in German film and is a reliable guarantee for exciting stories.

The highlights of the festival

• **Eröffnung**: 20. August mit „Petra geht baden“
• **Ehrung von Edgar Reitz**: 23. August mit „Leibniz – Chronik eines verschollenen Bildes“
• **Preisverleihung an Rainer Bock**: 2. September für seine schauspielerischen Leistungen
• **Ludwigshafener Drehbuchpreis**: 24. August geht an David Ungureit für Arbeiten wie „Freunde“ und „Zwei Freunde“

Rainer Bock, known from films such as “The White Ribbon” and “Work Without an Author,” will be honored on September 2nd for his outstanding acting work. He will receive his award at an event that will be associated with the screening of the film “Karla”. The screenplay award also recognizes talented filmmakers: David Ungureit will be honored on August 24th, and his contributions have a significant impact on German film.

This festival, which has been taking place since 2005, has secured a permanent place in the German cultural calendar over the years. The full program for 2025 will be published in the coming days, and anticipation for the further films and events is already growing enormously. This event is an absolute must for film fans in Ludwigshafen and beyond!

Whether looking for innovative works or the classic documentary stories of Edgar Reitz, visitors can be excited to see what cinematic treats the festival has in store. The festival takes place on the Parkinsel on the Rhine, a picturesque backdrop that further enriches the film experience. If you want to experience film art at its best, you should mark the dates in red on your calendar!

You can find more information about the upcoming events and the tribute to Edgar Reitz on the website of Ludwigshafen24, Home123 and Film portal.