GERMAN FILMS @ CHENNAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Film Festival |in cooperation with Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation
- Price Entry with Festival Pass!
The 23rd Chennai International Film Festival 2025 continues to be a vibrant platform for showcasing outstanding International and Indian cinema, while elevating Tamil films onto the global stage. The festival celebrates the rich diversity of cinematic traditions from around the world, encouraging cultural dialogue and highlighting the social and cultural narratives that shape contemporary filmmaking.
As every year, the Goethe-Institut is proud to be part of this landmark event. In 2025, we present a curated selection of acclaimed recent German films, offering Chennai audiences an engaging window into the latest voices and trends in German cinema. This year’s festival will feature the following
German Films at the Festivals
Amrum
Dir.: Fatih Akin, 93 min, 2025
Amrum Island, spring 1945: In the waning days of WWII, 12-year-old Nanning fearlessly braves the treacherous seas for seal hunting, goes fishing at night, and tirelessly tends to the fields at the nearby Bendixen farm to help his mother feed the family. With his father absent, Nanning relies on his unwavering friendship with Hermann for support in times of need. Yet, as the long-awaited peace descends, unforeseen challenges emerge, compelling Nanning to chart his own course through the turbulent waters of post-war life. One of Germany’s leading directors, Fatih Akin, directs a story based on the childhood memories of German screenwriter Hark Bohm.
The Light (Das Licht)- this film is brought by the German Consulate, Chennai
Dir.: Tom Tykwer, 162 min., 2025
Tim Engels, his wife Milena, their twins Frieda and Jon, and Milena's other son Dio, are a complex modern family living in a Berlin apartment. Their habits enable them to keep their lives separate even as they move through the shared spaces of their home. It is not until the enigmatic Farrah – recently arrived from Syria – is placed in their home as the new housekeeper, that their world is put to the test and hidden feelings come to light. It is an experience that expands and alters the lives of the family in unexpected ways as Farrah sets a plan in motion that will bring a new dimension to how they experience and understand the human condition.
Exciting News for FemaleFilmLovers at CIFF 2025!
For the fourth consecutive year, Goethe-Institut Chennai is proud to present a special initiative under the branding #FemaleFilmLovers at the Chennai International Film Festival. We are thrilled to announce an exclusive “Film Screening only for Women” as part of this year’s festival lineup!
This unique screening provides a safe and comfortable space for women to enjoy cinematic highlights without any hassles, creating an inspiring and inclusive experience. To make this possible, the ONLY FOR WOMEN screening will be a second screening of one of the German films presented by the Goethe-Institut, giving women an additional opportunity to enjoy the film.
In die Sonne Schauen
Dir.: Mascha Schilinski, 154 min, 2025
A remote German farm harbors generations of secrets. Four women, separated by decades but united by trauma, uncover the truth behind its weathered walls.
Popcorn’s on Us — and There’s a prize waiting for You!
Visit the venue, pick up your free popcorn, and take part in our exciting challenge. Test your German cinematic knowledge, and you could receive a special token of appreciation.
For film schedule please follow Chennai International Film Festival Webstie
Entry Free only for the FemaleFilmLovers Show!
As every year, the Goethe-Institut is proud to be part of this landmark event. In 2025, we present a curated selection of acclaimed recent German films, offering Chennai audiences an engaging window into the latest voices and trends in German cinema. This year’s festival will feature the following
German Films at the Festivals
Amrum
Dir.: Fatih Akin, 93 min, 2025
Amrum Island, spring 1945: In the waning days of WWII, 12-year-old Nanning fearlessly braves the treacherous seas for seal hunting, goes fishing at night, and tirelessly tends to the fields at the nearby Bendixen farm to help his mother feed the family. With his father absent, Nanning relies on his unwavering friendship with Hermann for support in times of need. Yet, as the long-awaited peace descends, unforeseen challenges emerge, compelling Nanning to chart his own course through the turbulent waters of post-war life. One of Germany’s leading directors, Fatih Akin, directs a story based on the childhood memories of German screenwriter Hark Bohm.
The Light (Das Licht)- this film is brought by the German Consulate, Chennai
Dir.: Tom Tykwer, 162 min., 2025
Tim Engels, his wife Milena, their twins Frieda and Jon, and Milena's other son Dio, are a complex modern family living in a Berlin apartment. Their habits enable them to keep their lives separate even as they move through the shared spaces of their home. It is not until the enigmatic Farrah – recently arrived from Syria – is placed in their home as the new housekeeper, that their world is put to the test and hidden feelings come to light. It is an experience that expands and alters the lives of the family in unexpected ways as Farrah sets a plan in motion that will bring a new dimension to how they experience and understand the human condition.
Exciting News for FemaleFilmLovers at CIFF 2025!
For the fourth consecutive year, Goethe-Institut Chennai is proud to present a special initiative under the branding #FemaleFilmLovers at the Chennai International Film Festival. We are thrilled to announce an exclusive “Film Screening only for Women” as part of this year’s festival lineup!
This unique screening provides a safe and comfortable space for women to enjoy cinematic highlights without any hassles, creating an inspiring and inclusive experience. To make this possible, the ONLY FOR WOMEN screening will be a second screening of one of the German films presented by the Goethe-Institut, giving women an additional opportunity to enjoy the film.
In die Sonne Schauen
Dir.: Mascha Schilinski, 154 min, 2025
A remote German farm harbors generations of secrets. Four women, separated by decades but united by trauma, uncover the truth behind its weathered walls.
Popcorn’s on Us — and There’s a prize waiting for You!
Visit the venue, pick up your free popcorn, and take part in our exciting challenge. Test your German cinematic knowledge, and you could receive a special token of appreciation.
For film schedule please follow Chennai International Film Festival Webstie
Entry Free only for the FemaleFilmLovers Show!