Brilliant start to the festival
The opening gala of the Taunus Film Festival once again marks the glittering start of our festival days – and in 2026, it will be entirely dedicated to CASINO ROYALE.
Red carpet / Champagne reception / 🇩🇪 German premiere of the French opening film „Marsupilami“ VIP Guests from the Industry / Press & Media / Live Music / After Party
In the stylish ambiance of the Kurhaus Bad Homburg, we invite you to an evening full of elegance, excitement, and cinematic atmosphere. Look forward to a festive champagne reception, accompanied by live music, the exclusive German premiere of the French box office hit „MARSUPILAMI,“ and a varied program that appropriately celebrates the start of the Film Festival. In keeping with the motto, the dress code is: Evening wear / Dress to Impress. Whether classic-elegant or with a touch of glamour – show off your most stylish side and immerse yourself in the world of Casino Royale. Step Up Your Game: Brought to you by Casino Bad Homburg you expect a real casino feeling with Blackjack and Roulette tables. Experience an unforgettable evening that combines film culture, networking, and special moments – and with you, ushers in the Taunus Film Festival.
Impressions of the 2025 Opening Gala
Program
6:30 pm Admission, champagne reception & live music
Daniel Minimalia & Leonel Fernandez Ortega
20:00 Official opening of the festival
Greeting by the festival management
Eva Debrodt & Alexander Mereien
Moderation
Manuel Francescon
Christoph Degen
State Secretary for Science & Research, Art & Culture, Chairman of the Cultural Committee of the Frankfurt RhineMain Cultural Foundation
Antje Runge
Mayor of the town of Oberursel (Taunus)
Alexander Hetjes
Lord Mayor of the town Bad Homburg vor der Höhe
Dr. Susanne Völker
Managing Director of the Culture Fund Frankfurt RhineMain
Jury Interview
Helga Reichert, Iris Baumüller & Jerry Digby
Opening film (German language with English subtitles)
Exclusive Germany Premiere
Marsupilami
9:15 PM Live Film Talk
22:45 After Party
DJ Blouke
Opening Film
Marsupilami
[Exclusive Germany Premiere]
Comedy | France | 2026 | 99 Min.
Director: Philippe Lacheau
Language German version with English subtitles (DFmeU)
Everything isn't going so optimally for David (Philippe Lacheau), who works at a zoo. As usual, his ex-wife Tess (Élodie Fontan) blames him when he brings their son Léo (Corentin Guillot) back to her late again. Léo has only one wish: a joint vacation with Mom and Dad, under one condition – they can't fight. Shortly thereafter, David is given an ultimatum by his shady boss (Jean Reno): either he can serve as food for the hyenas at the zoo, or he can smuggle a mysterious package on a cruise from South America to France. And for cover, the whole family can come along. The surprise vacation is quite something, as the package is highly sought after. When a little spotted creature with huge eyes and an oversized tail suddenly bursts out of the
MODERATION
Manuel Francescon
Manuel Francescon is an experienced moderator, speaker, and director from Offenbach am Main. With a lot of humor, stage presence, and a feel for the audience, he confidently leads through all.
With charm, wit, and a feel for the moment, he guides through the opening gala, ensuring that the festival's start is not only stylish but also entertaining.
Live music
DANIEL MINIMALIA (Guitar)
Daniel Minimalia is a Spanish guitarist and composer who, with his latest album „Terra“, is Latin Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Album won. In addition, he received two in 2015 and 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the World Music category. He has already performed in various countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Spain, France, and Hungary. His music combines different genres like folk, classical, rock, and flamenco. His distinctive style has led music critics to compare him to artists such as Mike Oldfield or Gustavo Santaolalla.
LEONEL FERNANDEZ ORTEGA (Saxophone)
Leonel Fernandez Ortega is a musician and music educator originally from Cuba, who currently lives and works in the Rhine-Main/Taunus region. In Frankfurt, he works as an early childhood music educator, clarinet teacher, and percussion teacher. He completed classical clarinet studies at the Guillermo Tomás Conservatory in Cuba and served in the military there as a musician in the Ejercito Occidental, including in Fidel Castro's representative orchestra. Additionally, he studied saxophone at a music college for professional musicians in Havana and was an orchestra musician in the classical music orchestra of the city of Havana. With his own Music Academy Ortega, he teaches instruments such as guitar, piano, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, flute, violin, vocals, and percussion in the styles of classical, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin American music – and has also supported children who successfully competed in the regional competition „Jugend musiziert.“.
After Party
DJ BLOUKE
DJ Blouke will be in charge of the decks for our Gala After-Party! Based in Frankfurt, this DJ will bring the perfect soundtrack for the final act of the evening with an energetic mix of Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Latin, and House. DJ Blouke is known from popular parties, festivals, and events in the Rhine-Main region and will turn the dance floor of Kurhaus Bad Homburg into the dancing climax of the evening.