From November 4 to 9, 2025, Cottbus transformed into a vibrant hub for cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals worldwide. The FilmFestival Cottbus is one of the most significant international festivals dedicated to contemporary Eastern European cinema. Its three competitive sections feature films, youth films, and short films highlight exceptional talent, bold narratives, and innovative cinematic perspectives.
This year's competition featured 10 films from countries ranging from Armenia and Bulgaria to Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Notably, two films had their world premieres at the festival. The opening night presented the Slovak-Czech film "Duchoň" by Peter Bebjak, a compelling portrayal of the career of Slovak singer and pop star Karol Duchoň.
The festival's core competitions included the International Competition, the Short Film Competition, and the Youth Film Competition. The Ecumenical Jury awarded its main prize to the Hungarian feature film "Mayflies" directed by Emília Goldberg, while granting a Special Mention to "Ida Who Sang So Badly Even the Dead Rose Up and Joined Her in Song" by Ester Ivakič. Additionally, Croatian-Montenegrin director Ivona Juka received the festival's main prize for her film "Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day."
The films honored by the Ecumenical Jury explored profound, complex human relationships that are challenging to depict on screen, as well as the connections between humanity and spirituality. Whether illustrating a multiple murderer's chance at redemption, a young girl's first encounter with death, or the beauty and challenges of folk religiosity, these awarded films exemplify contemporary creators' work. They show that true, inclusive love can heal deep wounds, transform lives, and lead individuals toward God.
Several films in the competition examined historical traumas that persist today or posed fundamental questions about family and community dynamics. As noted by the critics' jury during the awards, many films were harsh and unsettling true dramas of fate with few comedies or lighter works. This underscores how the wounds of past decades continue to preoccupy Eastern European filmmakers.
The 2025 FilmFestival Cottbus audience brought enthusiastic curiosity, filling historic venues in the city center with lively discussions, diverse international accents, and the excitement of discovering the richness of Eastern European cinema. The smooth flow between screenings and events was supported by efficient logistics, multiple accessible venues, and a clear schedule. Catering and infrastructure complemented the experience unobtrusively, keeping the focus on the films.
The Ecumenical Jury, critics, and international jury each highlighted different films as deserving recognition. Many excellent works competed, though occasionally the inclusion of certain films in the top ten was questioned. A tendency toward excessive artistic pretension or forcing ideas upon viewers to ensure understanding was evident in some cases, though most competition films conveyed their messages with high artistic quality.
An interesting discussion arose among the Ecumenical Jury members regarding the use of "open endings" where the story's continuation can be imagined positively or negatively, leaving interpretation to the viewer. The debate considered the importance of insisting on hopeful conclusions versus accepting more realistic or even negative tones. While no definitive conclusion was reached, the jury agreed that Christianity fundamentally conveys the gospel's good news, and it's desirable to bear witness to this in cinema as well.
Overall, the 2025 FilmFestival Cottbus successfully presented a compelling and diverse selection of over 200 films from 41 countries. It introduced innovative thematic programs such as "Don’t Call Me Vintage" and "Cottbus Masters," enriching the festival's offerings. The atmosphere struck a balance between accessibility and professionalism, making it highly recommended for film enthusiasts eager to explore cutting edge regional cinema and engage in meaningful discussions.