5.8. – 9.8.2026

EN/DE
EN/DE

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.

CASINO ROYALE

Red carpet / Champagne reception / Premiere of an award-winning opening film / 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, as well as a diverse 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.

Gala tickets

  Program

6:30 pm   Admission, champagne reception & live music

20:00  Official opening of the festival

Greeting by the festival management
Eva Debrodt & Alexander Mereien

Moderation by Matthias Keller

Greetings

Christoph Degen State Secretary for Science & Research,
Art & Culture, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Frankfurt RheinMain Cultural Foundation

Antje Runge (Mayor of the town of Oberursel (Taunus)

Alexander Hetjes (Mayor of the City of Bad Homburg before the height)

Dr. Susanne Völker (Managing Director, Cultural Fund Frankfurt Rhine-Main)

Live Interview with Star Guests


Opening film: Marsupilami

9:15 PM   Live Film Talk with
Filmmakers of the
Opening film

22:45   After Party

Impressions of the 2025 Opening Gala

Moderation

Matthias Keller

Matthias Keller is a true Frankfurter – professional speaker, musician, and entertainer with a wealth of experience. He has been working professionally in front of the microphone and on stage since 1995, including as the station voice for hr1 and a regular speaker for DIE ZEIT. With charm, timing, and an unforgettable voice, he will guide us safely and entertainingly through the program of the 15th TAUNALE.

www.kellermatt.de

Opening movie

Marsupilami

Comedy, France, 2026, 99 min.
Director: Philippe Lacheau

Description

Things aren't going too well for David (Philippe Lacheau), who works at a zoo. As usual, his ex-wife Tess (Élodie Fontan) is blaming him for bringing their son Léo (Corentin Guillot) back late again. Léo has just one wish: a family vacation with Mom and Dad, but on one condition – they can't fight. Shortly after, David is given an ultimatum by his shady boss (Jean Reno): either he can serve as food for the zoo's hyenas, or he can smuggle a mysterious package on a cruise from South America to France. And for cover, the whole family gets to come along. The surprise vacation is quite something, as the package is highly sought after. When a small, spotted creature with giant eyes and an overly long tail suddenly bursts out of the package, it becomes clear why: it's a cute baby Marsupilami! Hunters and protectors of the legendary creature emerge, and a crazy adventure full of fun, chaos, and surprises begins...

Live Music

with Grammy winner Daniel Minimalia and  Leonel Fernandez Ortega Saxophone

Daniel Minimalia

Daniel Minimalia is a Spanish guitarist and composer who won the Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Album with his latest album „Terra.“ Additionally, he received two Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the World Music category in 2015 and 2021.

He has already performed in various countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Spain, France, and Hungary. His music combines different genres such as folk, classical, rock, and flamenco.

His distinctive style led music critics to compare him to artists such as Mike Oldfield or Gustavo Santaolalla

Tickets

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