The first film festival in Aachen! Organised by a group of young film professionals, the Filmfest Aachen aims to strengthen the local film culture, connect filmmakers and professionals from the region Städteregion Aachen – and most importantly, create a space in which cinephiles as well as casual viewers can share their love for cinema!

During the three festival days September 5 to 7, we will present a diverse program of selected films, curated from festivals and submissions. Framing the film program, we organise readings and parties (e.g. a friday opening) spread out over different locations in Aachen, such as the Apollo-Kino or bookstores, and invite filmmakers to share their thoughts in Q&As and panels, open also for dialogue with the audience.

Do you want to be part of FFA 2025 and share your work with the audience in Aachen? Submit your film to us – via filmfreeway or submission@filmfestaachen.de
*PLEASE READ RULES AND TERMS BELOW BEFORE SUBMITTING*

We look forward to be in touch with you! If you have any questions, you can contact us on instagram (@filmfestaachen) or via info@filmfestaachen.de

Awards & Prizes

1. Oecher competition, awarded with the 'Oecher Filmpreis' endowed with 500€

2. Feature Film competition, endowed with 1.000€

Rules & Terms

Eligibility criteria for submission

1. Oecher Competition

- the project has a CLEAR CONNECTION to the city Aachen and/or the region of Aachen (Städteregion Aachen). If the connection is not clearly recognizable, please send a short explanation to submission@filmfestaachen.de

For example, films that have been shot in Aachen city or region, were produced there or feature the region as a story element or documentary subject. If you are unsure if your project is eligible, don't hesitate to contact us.
- the project was finished in 2023 or after

2. Feature Film Competition

- films finished in 2024 or after
- films that have not been released in Germany before the start of the festival (e.g. cinema or television)

Terms and Conditions

By submitting a film to Filmfest Aachen the submitter agrees to the following terms and conditions:

1. The Filmmaker affirms that they hold all necessary rights to the submitted film, including but not limited to rights to the screenplay, music, images, and performances, and that the film does not infringe on the rights of any third party.

2. If selected, the Filmmaker grants the Festival the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the official Festival dates at any Festival venue. The film may be shown without compensation to the Filmmaker or any other party.

3. If the film is selected, the Filmmaker agrees to create and provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) of the film suitable for exhibition, free of charge to the Festival.

4. The Filmmaker agrees to provide the Festival with promotional materials upon request, including but not limited to stills, a synopsis, posters, and trailers. These materials may be used by the Festival for promotional and marketing purposes in all media, including online platforms and print.

5. All film submissions will be reviewed by the Festival’s programming team. All decisions regarding film selections are final. The Festival is under no obligation to provide feedback for submitted films.

6. Once a film has been officially selected, it may not be withdrawn from the program without written consent from the Festival.

9. The Filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival, its organizers, sponsors, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses resulting from the exhibition or promotion of the submitted film.

By submitting a film to the Festival, the Filmmaker confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above terms and conditions.