Kinofest
21.10. - 30.11.2025

Documentary, 2024, 13 minutes
Director: Mani Pham Bui, Hien Nguyen
Writer: Mani Pham Bui, Hien Nguyen

A deeply personal portrait of Yen Nguyen, who leaves Oslo to return to her hometown of Neustrelitz. She looks back with vulnerability on her childhood and youth, as well as on her acceptance of herself, her identity, and her family.

Drama, 2023, 103 minutes
Director: Christian Petzold
Writer: Christian Petzold
Age Rating: 13+
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

Leon and Felix plan to spend a quiet summer at a seaside cottage — Leon writing, Felix creating art. But the arrival of Nadja and Devid stirs warmth, tension, and desire. As emotions rise and a nearby forest fire turns the sky red, Leon is forced to face his insecurities and the chaos within. The movie captures the fragile balance between creativity and desire, humour and melancholy.

Trivia / Awards / Nominations

• World premiere | Berlinale 2023 – Competition section
• Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize, Berlinale 2023
• Best Screenplay – German Film Critics Association Awards 2024
• Best Director – Christian Petzold, German Film Awards 2024
• Best Editing – Bettina Böhler, German Film Awards 2024
• Roter Himmel is the second part of Christian Petzold’s “trilogy of elements,” following Undine (2020, water element) and preceding the final part, which is expected to focus on the earth element.

Documentary, 2024, 24 minutes
Director: Huy Nguyen
Writer: Huy Nguyen
Age Rating: 0
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

In Huy’s family, there are many things that are left unsaid. Why is the story of his parents’ migration hardly mentioned, even though it has had a profound impact on different generations? Why is the relationship between parents and children so complicated? Is there a common story? And where does each person’s individual identity take shape? To find the answer, Huy sought out his grandparents in Vietnam. There, he recorded their daily activities, meals, and conversations. By building a close relationship with his grandparents, he also tried to understand and be closer to his parents.

Drama, 2024, 116 minutes
Director: Chiara Fleischhacker
Writer: Chiara Fleischhacker
Age Rating: 18+
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

While expecting her first child, Jenny — a young woman battling addiction and a looming prison sentence — struggles to change her life. Living in a fragile relationship with her boyfriend Bolle, she finds a glimmer of hope through Marla, a compassionate midwife who meets her without judgment. Chiara Fleischhacker’s debut film tells a deeply moving story about trust, self-worth, and the courage to begin again.

Trivia/Awards/Nominations: 

• Winner of Deutsche Kinoproduktionen, Filmfest Hamburg in 2024 

Adventure & Animation, 2024, 86 minutes
Director: Kari Juusonen, Jørgen Lerdam
Writer: Kari Juusonen, Marteinn Thorisson, Hannu Tuomainen
Age Rating: 0
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

It’s a heartwarming animated adventure about a young reindeer who dreams of joining Santa’s Flying Forces. When Santa’s sleigh is stolen, Niko teams up with his friends to save Christmas. On their journey under the glowing Northern Lights, Niko discovers that real bravery comes from friendship and believing in yourself.

Documentary, 2021, 8 minutes
Director: Melanie Nguyen
Writer: Melanie Nguyen
Age Rating: 0
Language: Vietnamese with English subtitles

1987 - Many Vietnamese people came to Germany as contract workers, hoping to build a new life. One of them was Ms. Nguyen Thi Le. On her 60th birthday, she recalled her first days in Germany, a time marked by loneliness, homesickness, but also full of hope.

Drama, 2025, 92 minutes
Director: Petra Biondina Volpe
Writer: Petra Biondina Volpe
Age Rating: 13+
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

The movie follows nurse Floria through one exhausting night on an overcrowded hospital ward. As emergencies pile up and exhaustion sets in, she fights to stay compassionate and in control. Filmed with gripping realism, the film is a powerful portrait of care, resilience, and the quiet heroism found in everyday work.

Trivia/Awards/Nominations:

• World premiere | Berlinale Special Gala in 2025
• 2025 Winner German Camera Award: Best Cinematography - Cinema Feature (Kino Spielfilm)
• 2025 Winner Golden Anchor Award: Best Film | Haifa International Film Festival

Drama, 2025, 116 minutes
Director: Ido Fluk
Writer: Ido Fluk
Age Rating: 18+
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

The movie tells the remarkable true story of 18-year-old Vera Brandes, a young concert promoter who fights against all odds to make Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert happen. Faced with setbacks and doubt, Vera’s determination and love for music lead to the creation of one of the greatest jazz recordings in history — a moment of pure magic born from chaos.

Trivia/Awards/Nominations:

• World premiere | Berlinale Special Gala in 2025
• Nominee Best Fiction Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Editor Deutscher Filmpreis 2025

Drama, 2024, 85 minutes
Director: Sarah Winkenstette
Writer: Sebastian Grusnick, Thomas Möller
Age Rating: 16+
Language: German with English and Vietnamese subtitles

The movie is a touching family film about ten-year-old Tom, a space-obsessed boy who sees the world differently. When he must spend six weeks with his grandparents, Tom treats it like a mission to Mars — exploring new worlds, facing challenges, and learning what family truly means. A gentle and funny story about imagination, difference, and belonging.

Trivia/Awards/Nominations:

• 2025 Winner Audience Award: Best Big Screens, Little Folks Feature | Wisconsin Film Festival 
• 2025 Winner Kids Jury Award: Best Film | Luxembourg City Film Festival 
• 2025 Winner Best Feature Film: Young Talents for Cinema | i-Fest International Film Festival 
• 2024 Nominee, Top Award of the City of Chemnitz, Best National Feature Film | International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience SCHLiNGEL