The 42nd FILMFEST MÜNCHEN was officially opened with a festive evening at Gasteig HP8 on Saturday, 28 June. Around 1,600 invited guests from the worlds of film, politics and society celebrated the start of a festival week full of cinema highlights and cultural encounters.
The opening film was the British comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island a warm-hearted story about old friendships, second chances and the unifying power of music. Director James Griffiths and the main actors Tom Basden and Tim Key were present in person and ensured an emotional start to the festival with the premiere film.
The artistic directors of the festival, Julia Weigl and Christoph Gröner, emphasised the importance of humanity, togetherness and music - values that should also characterise this year's film festival. In their opening speech, they invited the audience to discover new cinematic perspectives in the coming days and to engage with moving stories.
Numerous celebrities from the film industry and political representatives attended the opening. Among the guests were Uschi Glas, Vicky Krieps, Hans Sigl and Kostja Ullmann. Minister President Dr Markus Söder was also present and took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of artistic freedom and the role of film for society. Bavaria invests over 40 million euros annually in film and media funding - a clear commitment to the location.
Munich's Second Mayor Dominik Krause praised the festival as an important cultural driving force: "The film festival shows how lively and diverse our city is - and how strongly it is internationally networked."
Even before the gala, the festival got the audience in the mood with various special events. For example, the programme Queerthe fantasy spectacle The Nibelungs - Battle of the Kingdoms or the ceremonial opening of the children's film series CineKindl with the animated film Tafiti - Off through the desert. Films like The circus child and Omaha attracted attention.
Over the next few days, visitors can look forward to more than 150 films from all over the world as well as a colourful accompanying programme at various venues throughout Munich. In its 42nd edition, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN once again promises a week full of discoveries, discussions and cinema magic - until late into the night.