Since its founding in 1989, FILMFEST DRESDEN has understood itself as a platform for cinematic art, a forum for political discourse, and a space for intercultural exchange. The festival is committed to diversity, equality, tolerance, sustainability, inclusion, fairness, transparency, and independence, and strives to embed these values throughout all areas of its work. They are reflected in our organisational culture, our collaboration within the festival team, our interactions with audiences, guests and filmmakers, our partnerships with other institutions, as well as in our film selection process and festival programme.

FILMFEST DRESDEN is committed to becoming an inclusive festival by making all areas and activities as accessible as possible. All competition films are presented with German and English subtitles, while selected programmes are available with German audio description and sign language interpretation. We seek to ensure that our venues are wheelchair accessible wherever possible. Ticket prices are generally affordable and include discounted rates. To lower barriers to participation, FILMFEST DRESDEN also presents free screenings and events in public spaces.

We are equally committed to integrating sustainability into our work. The festival exclusively serves vegetarian food, avoids domestic flights for invited guests whenever possible, and reduces the use of packaging materials and plastics in accreditation and invitation processes.

FILMFEST DRESDEN aims to provide an open and safe environment where respectful behaviour is a given. At the same time, we recognise that racism, sexism, classism, ableism and other forms of discrimination are deeply embedded in our society. Creating a discrimination-free festival is therefore an ongoing process. We take a clear stand against discrimination and acknowledge our social and political responsibility. The festival team is committed to actively addressing discriminatory behaviour in all situations. We provide awareness support at selected events and continuously work to expand these measures. We also regard film education and media literacy programmes as an essential part of our commitment to creating an inclusive and discrimination-free environment. Throughout the year, the festival offers participatory programmes for children and young people that promote democratic values, tolerance, and cultural diversity.

We are continuously working to create the conditions that make our commitment visible. For example, the festival presents awards recognising achievements in gender equality and political engagement. Beyond the festival period, we organise curated short film programmes at various venues that advocate for democracy, tolerance, and gender equality. We believe that these goals can best be achieved through collaboration and strong networks. FILMFEST DRESDEN is therefore actively involved in a number of initiatives and professional organisations, including Weltoffenes Dresden (Open-Minded Dresden), Netzwerk Kultur Dresden (Dresden Cultural Network), the German Film Festivals Association (AG Filmfestivals), the Short Film Conference, and the Network for European Film Discourse.

As an international short film festival, FILMFEST DRESDEN strives to present a film selection that is diverse in both content and perspective, providing a platform for filmmakers from different regions of the world and with a wide range of cultural backgrounds. To achieve this, we continuously work to broaden the reach of our Call for Entries and build relationships with international partners and networks. We also aim to ensure that our juries, curators, and selection committees reflect a broad diversity of experiences, genders, and cultural backgrounds.

FILMFEST DRESDEN is committed to treating its partners, filmmakers, curators, and all other collaborators fairly, while also ensuring fair remuneration for everyone working for the festival.

To support these commitments, we continuously work towards establishing a stable, long-term, and sustainable organisational structure that secures the festival's financial future.

The FILMFEST DRESDEN Team