16th Kirchliches Filmfestival Recklinghausen Celebrates Cinema and Dialogue

Recklinghausen, Germany – The 16th Kirchliches Filmfestival (Church Film Festival) in Recklinghausen concluded on March 15, 2026, drawing approximately 2,200 visitors to the Cineworld Recklinghausen. The festival, organized by the ecumenical working group “Church and Cinema” comprised of members from the Protestant church district and the Catholic district deanery, showcased a diverse program of films designed to spark conversation and reflection.

Ecumenical Film Prize and Jury Awards

The festival’s highlight was the presentation of the Ecumenical Film Prize to Georgi M. Unkovski for his North Macedonian film, “DJ Ahmed.” The film, described as “a touching encouragement to allow loss and dare to be free,” by theology professor Michael Höffner, resonated with the jury for its poignant storytelling. epd Film reports that the festival consistently aims to present films that engage with the complexities of the world.

In addition to the main prize, youth and children’s juries also recognized outstanding films. The youth jury awarded their prize to the Belgian-French production “Wild Foxes,” which explores the lives of young men. The children’s jury presented the “Green Branch” award to Antonia Rothe-Liermann for her film, “The Secret Floor.” Organizers noted a significant increase in attendance from youth and children’s groups, even needing to turn some away due to capacity limitations.

A Festival Rooted in Ecumenism

The Kirchliches Filmfestival stands out as the only film festival in Germany under the ecumenical sponsorship of the Evangelical and Catholic churches. The term “ecumenism,” originating from the Greek word for “the entire inhabited earth,” refers to the efforts towards unity among Christians. The ecumenical movement gained momentum with the 1910 World Mission Conference in Edinburgh and led to the founding of the World Council of Churches in 1948. The festival’s website highlights the collaborative spirit of the event.

Festival Leadership and Community Impact

The festival’s artistic direction is led by Horst Walther and Michael M. Kleinschmidt, working alongside the ecumenical working group consisting of Oliver Berkemeier, Julia Borries, Marc Gutzeit, and Friederike Melloh. Julia Borries emphasized the power of film, stating, “Bilder von Filmen haben eine besondere Wirkung auf uns Menschen” (“Images from films have a special effect on us people”). Westphalian President Adelheid Ruck-Schröder underscored the festival’s role as a platform for films that “sensitize and encourage people,” presenting strong films that reflect the contradictions of reality.

Looking Ahead

The 16th Kirchliches Filmfestival reaffirmed its position as a unique cultural event in Recklinghausen, fostering dialogue and offering a space for reflection through the power of cinema. The festival continues to provide a platform for films that address societal issues and promote empathy, hope, and inclusion.