Since 2004 we screena lot of budget, low and no buget films. Colorful, loud and oblique are the films that our audience loves. Our festival is made by filmmakers for filmmakers to show extraordinary small and big productions side by side to an interested audience.

Awards & Prizes

Audience award for the best German film at Friday. Cash price 50,- Euro.
Audience award for the best International film at Friday. Cash price 50,- Euro.
Audience award for the best German film at Saturday. Cash price 50,- Euro.
Audience award for the best International film at Saturday. Cash price 50,- Euro.

Jury Award for the best film at all. Cash price 100,- Euro.

Rules & Terms

1. We accept budget and non-budget films that have weird, wacky and/or interesting content.
2. Selected films must be available as Mp4 Full HD files 3 weeks before the event.
3. All non-German language films must be in English or with English subtitles.
4. Films should not be older than 4 years.
5. We do not pay screening fees.
6. Entry fees are non-refundable.
7. Only films that have not been shown in Kassel in the last 24 months will be accepted.
8. We only accept the following genres: Horror, Comedy, SciFi, Fantasy and Trash or all in one.
9. Only feature films 1 - 30 min with a story will be considered.

Please submit experimental short films and music videos in the supporting program category. Maximum length 5 minutes.
For young filmmakers we offer the TRASHFILM KIDS/NEW MEDIA platform free of charge. ATTENTION only for the age group 12 - 16 years. If we notice that the filmmakers are older, the projects are passed on to the jury for viewing.
Thank you and "ACTION"
15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sangeet Prabhaker

    Thank you for selecting our film Dinghy as part of the official selection for 2023! It was an honour to be screened in Germany

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Rene Nuijens

    Fantastic festival! One of the better and cooler once around! Such an excellent selection of films. Super kind and good in communication and on social networks. Absolute worth the entry! On top of our list.

    May 2022
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    "Covid Love" fantastic work.

  • Tim Dübbert

    Really good festival with even better people :) We had a great time in Kassel! Thanks to Ralf and his team for their hospitality and the great line-up.

    May 2022
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We`re verry proud to have "III" inside the festival.

  • Rik Gordon

    It was an honour to be selected for Der Phantastische Trashfilm festival. I travelled to Kassel to attend the festival and it was a great experience. Each night there was a great audience and the films were all very fun, and the local beer was delicious! Kassel is a beautiful little city in the middle of Germany with lots to see and do. Thank you to Ralph and the rest of the festival team for making me feel so welcome. Also, it was very special to win best International short film and receive the little trophy that I will treasure. Look forward to going back one day!

    October 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    So great to have met you at the festival in Kassel. PURE GOLD was a really cool audience winning film. Thank you.

  • Colin Mercer

    Fantastic film festival! Super fun and very good at communication. Would highly recommend :)

    September 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanx for "The Briefcase".