48TH MAX OPHUELS FILM FESTIVAL: JANUARY 25 TO 31 2027
The Max Ophuels Film Festival is the most important festival for German-language talent films. For 46 years, it has stood for the discovery of talent from Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland. By focussing exclusively on works by new talent from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg, it is regarded as the most important festival for up-and-coming filmmakers in the German-speaking world.
FFMOP48 - Save The Date - FFMOP
Save the date: January 25 to 31 2027
Mark your calendars: from January 25–31 Saarbrücken once again becomes the capital of young German-language cinema. For one week, the Max Ophuels Film Festival brings together emerging filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers for premieres, discoveries, and conversations across four competitions and a diverse supporting program. We can't wait to welcome you to the 48th edition — stay tuned for more details on tickets and the full program.
Your Film at the Max Ophuels Film Festival
Film submissions for the 48th Max Ophuels Film Festival are open in all competition categories until October 31.
learn more
Oliver Dietze / ffmop
Oliver Dietze / ffmop
Oliver Dietze / ffmop
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
As the leading festival for German-language talent film, it offers filmmakers from Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland a renowned stage to launch their careers.
ffmop / Markus Lutz
ffmop / Markus Lutz
ffmop / Markus Lutz
FILM SECTIONS & PROGRAMME
The Max Ophuels Prize competitions spotlight premiere screenings of innovative debut to third films by emerging German-speaking filmmakers - across feature, documentary, medium-length, and short film formats. Beyond the competitions, the festival also presents a wide range of additional film series throughout the week.
Panel_Diversität im Diskurs - Oliver Dietze / ffmop
Panel_Diversität im Diskurs - Oliver Dietze / ffmop
Panel_Diversität im Diskurs - Oliver Dietze / ffmop
INDUSTRY
MOP-Industry connects emerging German-speaking filmmakers with industry leaders through workshops, panels, and matchmaking events, fostering collaboration and innovation in an inspiring festival environment.
Artistic direction - The Team:
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
Svenja Böttger
Managing & Artistic Director
Curation Feature Film, Documentary, Middle Length Film and Short Film
T.: +49 681 90689-13
E-Mail
Svenja Böttger has been the Artistic Director of the Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis since 2016 and serves as Co-Managing Director since 2019. She teaches at film schools, is Vice-Chair of the University Council at the Ernst Busch Academy, and advises filmmakers on festival strategies and developing their first film projects. She is co-founder and current chair of AG Filmfestival, initiator of Forum Talentfilm, and actively advocates for talent and film festivals in federal cultural policy.
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
©SARIPICTURE _ Sarah Domandl
Theresa Winkler
Head of Program
Curation Feature Film, Documentary, Middle Length Film and Short Film
T.: +49 681 90689-24
E-Mail
Theresa Winkler is Head of Program at the Max Ophuels Filmfestival since 2022. Before, she has been working in the film industry since 2010 and has been involved in numerous film projects for television and cinema after completing her studies in production, film and media analysis with a focus on festival programming. She worked as a production manager in the filmunit at VICE/VIRTUE AUSTRIA, was part of the organisation and film programming team at the Kitzbühel Film Festival and worked at the Diagonale from 2020 to 2023.
Markus Lutz / ffmop
Markus Lutz / ffmop
Markus Lutz / ffmop
Louise Lindlar
Head of MOP-Industry
responsible for Industry program and curation of competitions
Louise Lindlar studied cultural studies in Lüneburg and Hildesheim and researched the perception of German-language films. She manifested her focus on film in her programme work at the Braunschweig International Film Festival and at the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. In addition to curating competitions at the Max Ophuels Filmfestival, Louise Lindlar is also responsible for the industry programme MOP-Industry since 2024.
