Latest news
Press release
April 2026
„15th Annual“ offers five days of programming in August and gains new venues.
Oberursel - At the Taunus Filmfest, the region becomes a meeting point for filmmakers and creatives – with an expanded program, new venues, and an extra dose of festival glamour. The „Taunale“ will be held for the 15th time this summer, lasting five days. The festival begins on Wednesday, August 5, and ends on Sunday, August 9. Oberursel remains the heart of the festival, boasting new venues. Eschborn and Bad Soden are joining in.
Recently, the cinema in „Eschborn K“ and the „Casablanca Art House“ in Bad Soden have joined. Last year, Kinopolis in Bad Homburg was already part of it. For the anniversary edition, in addition to films, workshops, panel discussions, and open-air cinema evenings are back on the agenda. „The 15th Taunus Film Festival is a special milestone for us,“ say festival directors Eva Debrodt and Alexander Mereien. „It's great to see how the festival is growing.“ And: „The expansion shows that film culture thrives where people come together, exchange ideas, and get excited about something together.“ It all kicks off on Wednesday, August 5th, with a festive opening gala. There you will have the opportunity to talk with filmmakers from all over the world. After that, it's lights, camera, action for three days. From Thursday to Saturday, inspiring feature films will be shown during the day. In the evenings, there will be open-air short film nights – with live music, interviews, and international food stalls.
On Saturday evening, August 8th, there will be an awards ceremony. Filmmakers and their projects will be honored in several categories. A jury will select the award winners beforehand. Afterwards, at the closing party, new encounters and the shared festival summer are to be celebrated.
On Sunday, the festival concludes with an art exhibition, encounters, and many beautiful memories of five days among canvas, art, and community.
Last year, nearly 2,000 visitors watched a total of 40 short and feature films and attended various workshops as part of the accompanying program. That was double the number of guests from the previous year.
The film festival originated from the two short film evenings in Rushmoor Park, which have been part of the „Orscheler Sommer“ event series for years. In 2024, for the first time, there was an expanded offering with a gala, feature films, and workshops.
(September 2025)
Taunus Filmfest Oberursel creates first permanent position in the festival organization
Oberursel, September 14, 2025 - The Taunus Filmfest Oberursel has established itself as a permanent fixture in the regional cultural scene in recent years. With films beyond the mainstream, discussions and encounters, it brings international film art to the Taunus and strengthens the regional film culture.
The festival is now taking an important step: for the first time, a permanent position has been created in the festival organization. Anastasia Habibi, who has already proven herself as a festival assistant this summer, will support the team all year round in future.
Last year, two festival assistants were employed thanks to the "STEP" funding program from Hessen Film und Medien: Jonas Henze and Anastasia Habibi. The program provides young people with practical insights and facilitates their entry into the world of film and media. For the film festival, this support was a key factor in making the intensive months of preparation a success.
About Anastasia Habibi
Habibi first came into contact with the festival in 2024 when a music video she produced was shown at the open-air cinema in Rushmoor Park. With a degree in music business, experience in organization and production planning and her commitment to independent artists, she has the ideal qualifications. "My aim is to expand the film festival as a place where artists and viewers can meet and to give smaller filmmakers a platform," says Habibi.
Due to the festival's growth, it is now possible to create a full-time, part-time position - the first paid position in the history of the Taunus Filmfest. "The fact that we are able to create the first permanent position with Anastasia is a milestone for us," says Festival Director Eva Debrodt. Festival Director Alexander Mereien adds: "We would of course like to establish more structures like this in the future. But I think this is already a step in the right direction."
For the next edition from August 5 to 9, 2026, the current 25-strong team, which is expanding again this year, is already in the midst of planning: discussions with partners and sponsors are underway and initial contacts are being made with other municipalities in the Taunus region. True to the motto: Together we are strong. Anyone who would like to volunteer can register at welcome@taunale.de report.
We are looking for PR and social media support as well as film enthusiasts for the selection team. Industry expertise is not required, only commitment and enthusiasm.
All information also available at www.taunale.de/aktuelles
Animated film "Dieter" wins short film award
Moving portrait about dementia and sibling love
(August 2025)
The animated film "Dieter" by Rolf Broennimann was presented at this year's Taunus Film Festival Oberursel with the Award for the best short film (prize money donor: Messko GmbH).
The festival ended on Sunday with a record number of visitors.
Numerous foreign filmmakers and guests were among the approximately 2000 participants. This year a total of four prizes awarded.
"Dieter" tells the story of Broennimann's twin brother of the same name, a stone sculptor who was no longer able to complete his sculptures due to progressive dementia. But Dieter did not give up on art and began to paint.
Artistic creation, memories and the fragile reality of the disease merge in a sensitively designed visual language.
"With 'Dieter', Rolf Broennimann has not only succeeded in creating a delicate, beautiful work of cinematic art, but also an extraordinary and important perspective on the subject of dementia," said jury member Bettina Borgfeldrenowned filmmaker and cinematographer.
US director and producer Jerry Digbyalso a member of the jury, was moved:
"Dieter is more than a movie - it's a profound meditation on dementia and a loving tribute to a lost brother. Congratulations to Rolf and his team for this deeply moving work that reminds us of the value of every memory that defines us."
The Award for the best feature film went to "Happiness is a Wild Beast" from Bertrand Guerry.
The French director quietly and bizarrely interweaves the lives of four people in a small village."Bertrand Guerry succeeds in creating a quiet fable that shows that happiness is something that everyone has to define or find for themselves." said juror Borgfeld.
For the first time this year, a Food Film Award awarded - to Rajan Gill for his short film "Channel Bibi" - a tribute to the culture and solidarity of an Indian family.
"The film captures the beauty and tension of family life in a haunting way. bonds - across generations, traditions and the wild ride of social media. It reminds us that family - no matter the culture - is worth the effort." says juror Digby.
The Special prize for the best integration film (Sponsor: Rotary Club Frankfurt am Main International) went to Loraine Blumenthal for her documentary film "Something new in the East".
The film focuses on right-wing violence and voluntary work. It tells the story of Thomas "Eichi" Eichstätt, coach of the FC Pio soccer team. Many of his players are refugees who are struggling to find work, gain acceptance and come to terms with their past.
For many, Eichi is a father figure - at the same time, he openly confronts his own past as a right-wing extremist.
Filmmakers from all over the world submitted top-class entries to the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel.
The great quality and variety of the films made the jury's decision particularly difficult this year.
"In view of the exceptionally high standard of all the entries, the selection was certainly no easy task. The jury's decision is a special tribute to the diversity and expressiveness of this year's program," emphasized festival director Alexander Mereien.
Festival director Eva Debrodt was equally enthusiastic:
"The festival's appeal, with almost double the number of visitors compared to the previous year, shows that we are on the right track and that there is a strong demand for cinematic art in the Taunus region."
French feature film "What unites us" opens Taunus Filmfest Oberursel
(July 2025)
The opening film at the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel has been announced:
The French drama What unites us (original title L'attachement) by renowned French director Carine Tardieu and star Valeria Bruni Tedeschi kicks off four days of film highlights and premieres. The focus is on Sandra, an independent woman in her fifties who unexpectedly becomes the most important caregiver for a neighbor's child - and realigns her own life in the process. With the French audience favorite Was uns verbindet, the Taunus Filmfest once again sets a strong example for sophisticated international cinema.
In addition to the special opening film, the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel - from August 7 to 10 in Oberursel and for the first time also in Bad Homburg - invites you on a cinematic journey of discovery: The program includes an extensive supporting program consisting of workshops, networking events and much more. 40 carefully selected feature-length and short films from all over the world. Below we present the festival's feature-length films.
The First Train is a gripping mix of time paradox and drama. When Kai Trollmann is stranded at an empty subway station at night, he has no idea that he is in for a dramatic night. He meets a mysterious woman who claims to be his daughter from the future. An emotional and dangerous drama about guilt, fate and the possibility of changing oneself unfolds. Complex relationships also come to light in Happiness is a Wild Beast. When a bear is spotted on the island of Yeu, the islanders set off to find it. Over the course of a week, their joint search turns into a magical, whimsical adventure. A tribute to the power of nature and humanity.
A Dinner to Remember accompanies Maike as she attempts to come out to her family over dinner. But the revelation of several explosive truths makes this evening anything but the ideal moment for her plan. Facades are also crumbling in House of Cards. Three friends celebrate a hen party, but suddenly their partners turn up. A clever relationship drama about self-deception, social pressure and the question: how much truth can friendship take? In the coming-of-age drama Baba Kush, two teenagers are caught by the police smoking joints in a phone booth. They barricade themselves in, but the police wait outside the phone booth and even call for reinforcements. Trapped in a confined space, their friendship crumbles.
Changing Sides is also about change: Thomas "Eichi" Eichstätt coaches a soccer team of young refugees in a small East German town. For many, he is a father figure - but Eichi is also struggling with his dark past as a right-wing extremist. A gripping drama about integration, guilt and second chances. The drama The Winter Within is set in the heart of Kashmir. In the conflict-ridden city of Srinagar, Nargis searches in vain for her missing husband. Back in her remote home village, she begins an artistic weaving project. But the quiet winter landscape harbors dark secrets - and the past is closer than you think. In Traumnovelle, a modern adaptation of Schnitzler's work, a woman confesses her erotic fantasies to her husband. In doing so, she sparks his longing for her own adventures.
There are also excellent documentaries in the program: Raindrop - The Journey of Water takes viewers on a journey to sea creatures and their stories - adventurous, touching and humorous. The documentary The Mystery of Musica Cubana - La Clave passionately tells of the musical diversity of Cuba - a melting pot of different influences full of rhythm and creativity. The documentary She Rises Up is no less colorful. It tells the stories of three female entrepreneurs from Peru, Senegal and Sri Lanka who are leading their communities out of poverty with courage, creativity and perseverance. They stand up to social obstacles and economic inequality and show how much change is possible if you believe in yourself.
Attention all skateboarding fans: The documentary series The Golden Era of Skateboarding sheds light on a formative phase in skate history that has barely been documented to date. Between the 1970s and 1990s, a generation revolutionized vertical skateboarding - and laid the foundation for today's global sport. With exclusive archive footage and interviews, the series brings the pioneers together again for the first time in over 40 years at the El Gato Classic Legends Weekend.
Four days, five locations - the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel 2025 is taking off!"
(June 2025)
elaya Hotel - Our festival center as the heart and hotspot
The elaya Hotel will once again be the heart of the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel in 2025. The festival kicks off here with a glittering opening gala that will give you goosebumps. During the day, the hotel will be transformed into a creative meeting place: Workshops, talks and networking events fill the rooms with energy, ideas and new contacts. Anyone who enters here immediately feels the pulse of the festival - right in the middle of it instead of just being there.
Rushmoor Park - pure open-air enjoyment
The Rushmoor Park is the place to be for anyone who loves open-air cinematic art. Live music sets the mood, food trucks spoil you with tasty treats and as soon as the sun goes down, the park becomes a lively open-air stage: great cinema when the short films flicker across the screen. Film fans, creatives and the curious meet here - a place to enjoy, exchange ideas and be amazed.
Stadthalle Oberursel - stage for great films
The Stadthalle Oberursel is a new addition and brings a breath of fresh air to the festival. Selected feature-length films are shown here, which unfold their full effect on the large stage. The cinematic setting and the special ambience make every film an experience. Anyone who loves cinema will get their money's worth here.
Kinopolis Bad Homburg - cinema atmosphere deluxe
For the first time, Kinopolis Bad Homburg is opening its doors for the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel. This is where you get that real cinema feeling: a big screen, perfect sound and a selection of festival highlights that will delight the audience. Anyone who prefers to enjoy films in a classic cinema seat should not miss this location.
More festival, more variety, more Oberursel, more Taunus
With these locations, the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel 2025 will be more varied and exciting than ever. Whether gala, open-air, workshop or movie night - each venue sets its own accents and makes the festival a real experience. The complete program will be published soon. One thing is already clear: if you love film, you can't miss the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel this summer.
Update from the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel: The selection has been made!
(June 2025)
The submission portal for the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel is closed - and behind the scenes have been working intensively over the past few weeks.
The selection team viewed, discussed and evaluated over 1000 hours of submitted films. It is now clear: the best 40 entries have been selected for this year's festival program and will be officially announced shortly.
A prominent jury of experts from the film scene is currently meeting to decide on the winners of the coveted film awards. You can find out who is on the jury here (LINK JURY). The excitement is building - the festival is getting closer and the program already promises extraordinary film experiences!
Fancy a summer movie with a festival atmosphere? Then the Taunus Filmfest Oberursel is just the thing for you.
From August 7 to 10, Oberursel - and Bad Homburg for the first time - will be a place to watch, marvel and celebrate. You can expect short and feature-length films, open-air screenings, creative workshops and an art exhibition. There will also be delicious food and live music - festival feeling guaranteed!
It starts on the evening of August 7 with a Gala opening - a glamorous start to a extended weekend full of film highlights and a varied supporting program. Also popular are the Short film evenings in Rushmoorpark - Open-air cinema under a starry sky. The grand finale is the Award ceremony with honors for the best contributions on August 10.
Films are shown in the Kinopolis Bad Homburg as well as in the Stadthalle Oberursel and the Elaya Hotel. The short film evenings take place in Rushmoorpark Oberursel.