In 2011, Filmfest Dresden was held for the 23rd time from 12 to 17 April. 2,555 films were submitted in the run-up to the festival, aiming to participate in the competition sections. 50 films were selected for the International Competition and 26 for the National Competition. In addition to the competition sections, the festival presented 28 special film programmes, including a series focusing on photofilms among others, as well as an extensive events programme. A further highlight in 2011 was the 10th anniversary of the Exchange Forum – Perspective for Animated Film, for which 40 filmmakers were invited to Dresden from throughout Europe.