German Film Festival in Scotland Celebrates 10th Anniversary with ‘Women: Words and Worlds’ Focus
The German Film Festival in Scotland is marking a decade of showcasing German cinema with a special edition running from January 21st to February 22nd, 2026. This year’s festival, curated by Rastko Novaković, centers around the theme ‘Women: Words and Worlds,’ exploring over 10 decades of cinematic storytelling through the lens of female experiences.
A Decade of German Cinema in Scotland
The festival will present a diverse selection of German films spanning various genres and topics. Novaković’s curated program features 10 films drawn from the Goethe-Institut, the DEFA Foundation, and the Werner Herzog Foundation catalogues, offering a unique perspective on German cinema. Goethe-Institut UK
‘Women: Words and Worlds’ – A Curatorial Vision
Rastko Novaković’s curatorial statement highlights a desire to examine the changing roles and experiences of women in German history through film. The selection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a century of German cinema, focusing on female narratives and perspectives.
Films for Younger Audiences
In addition to the main program, the festival includes a selection of three films specifically designed for younger audiences and school screenings.
Accessibility and Collaboration
All films will be screened in their original language with English subtitles at independent cinemas across Scotland. The festival is a collaboration between the Goethe-Institut, Glasgow Film Theatre, Film Hub Scotland (part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network), and independent cinemas throughout Scotland. Goethe-Institut UK
German Film Presence at EuropaEuropa Film Festival
Elsewhere, Sönke Wortmann’s new comedy, “The Empty Nesters” (“Die Älteren”), is set to premiere in Australia at the EuropaEuropa Film Festival in Sydney on February 24th and in Melbourne on February 26th, 2026. German Consulate General Sydney – Facebook, Goethe-Institut Australien – LinkedIn
German Films Showcase in Paris
Organized by German Films in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut, a showcase of recent German films – including fiction, documentaries, shorts, and features – ran until October 15th in Paris’ Arlequin cinema. cineuropa.org