Film Festival Max Ophüls Prize: A festival of German -language film!

Film Festival Max Ophüls Prize: A festival of German -language film!

The 46th Film Festival Max Ophüls Prize (MOP) was opened on January 21, 2025 in Saarbrücken and is considered the most important festival for German -language film. The aim of the festival is to discover and promote talents from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This year, 151 films in nine venues in Saarbrücken and Saarland will be presented in a total of 234 performances. It should be emphasized that 38 of these films are shown as premieres.

The opening film was the political office "Muxmäuschenchenstillˣ" by Jan Henrik Stahlberg, which was seen in five cinemas in Saarbrücken and in three cinemas in Bous, St. Ingbert and Saarlouis. The film, which is coming to cinemas nationwide on May 1, deals with topics such as party politics and populism. Director and actor Jan Henrik Stahlberg was personally present for the performance. Prominent jury members such as Sibel Kekilli and Lorna Ishema give the festival additional reputation.

diversity of topics and social relevance

Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger emphasized the socially relevant topics that are treated in many of the films shown. The topics range from family, grief, loss and female empowerment to masculinity images, queer identities and magical realism. Compared to the previous year, fewer contributions to flight, migration and war are included in the festival program. A total of 57 films apply for awards in four competition categories: feature film, documentary, medium -long film and short film.

During the festival, a total of 19 prices worth 128,500 euros are awarded. A new price, which was initiated in cooperation with ZDF/the small television game, promotes "Treatment Development" with a doping of 10,000 euros. Festival director Svenja Böttger also praised the visit to the tribute guest Christian Petzold, who gives the festival an additional shine.

logistical details and support

The all -round budget of the festival amounts to 1.6 million euros. This is slightly above the previous year's level. The largest sponsors include the state capital of Saarbrücken and the country. The Film Festival Max Ophüls Preis gGmbH, whose management by Svenja Böttger and Dr. Sabine Dengel is led.

With such an extensive and multifaceted program design, the festival not only offers a platform for aspiring talents, but also a stage for socially relevant discussions and inspiring cinema experiences. The insights into the current filmmaker from German -speaking countries are expected by spectators and critics alike.