Weekend repeat - Difficult times for film festivals: many in financial difficulties
Some of the approximately 400 film festivals in Germany are fighting for survival, according to industry representatives. Svenja Böttger from the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Filmfestivals attributes this primarily to the tight budget situation of the public sector and significantly increased costs. "The medium-sized festivals are hit hard right now, and the small ones even more so," Böttger said at the start of the Filmfest Munchen press conference for the German Press Agency. Many have struggled in recent years, but not all will likely survive. A lack of new talent is also a problem, as many jobs are not attractive enough or even unpaid.
AG calls for transparent funding structure
Böttger, who leads the Max Ophüls Prize film festival in Saarbrücken, is calling on politics for a transparent and well-structured funding structure for artistic work, regardless of the size of the festival. This includes a clear commitment to the preservation of film festivals. They are a valuable investment in society as they promote culture and education and foster dialogue and democracy. In rural areas, festivals often provide the only cultural offerings and are among the few continuous educational offerings.
A comprehensive overview is needed, according to Böttger, and a nationwide festival study could provide the politics in the Federal Government, States, and Communities with actionable recommendations.
Renowned festival in Munich must fight
An example of the difficult situation is the renowned Five Lakes Film Festival in southwestern Munich, which has offered an exciting program since 2007, both in the summer and now in September, and has attracted prominent guests such as Senta Berger, Michael Herbig, Sandra Hüller, Martina Gedeck, or Iris Berben.
This year, the festival is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 12th September with savings, but it is threatened starting from the following year. The reason was the reduction of communal subsidies totaling around 59,000 Euro to 27,000 Euro. In addition, there will be a deficit in earnings and higher expenses due to inflation and rising space and personnel costs.
The difficult situation of many festivals was the topic of a discussion at the Filmfest Munchen, which is still showing around 150 films until 7th July. The debate focused not only on the financial difficulties but also on the problem of finding employees who work for little money or even volunteer. "The idealism-driven self-exploitation that is common in the cultural sector must be affordable - and desirable," according to the announcement.
- Despite facing challenges due to the tight budget situation in the public sector and increasing costs, the Max Ophüls Prize film festival in Saarbrücken, led by Svenja Böttger, continues to operate in Saarland.
- The Five Lakes Film Festival, a renowned event in Munich, is currently facing financial difficulties, with a reduction in communal subsidies and rising expenses due to inflation and higher costs.
- Böttger has advocated for a transparent and well-structured funding structure for festivals, arguing that they contribute significantly to society by promoting culture, education, and dialogue.
- Many film festivals across Germany are struggling for survival, with some small festivals being hit particularly hard, according to industry representatives.
- The German Press Agency reported on the challenging circumstances faced by these festivals, highlighting the issue of a lack of new talent in the industry and the need for actionable recommendations from a nationwide festival study.
- The Five Lakes Film Festival, located in southwestern Munich, has attracted prominent guests such as Senta Berger and Sandra Hüller and will continue to show around 150 films until July 7th, despite facing financial challenges.
