Over 21,400 people visited FFDD26

The 38 FILMFEST DRESDEN came to a very successful close last Sunday with a significant increase in visitor numbers. From 14 to 19 April, the festival attracted more than 21,400 guests to 197 events at 19 venues throughout Dresden - a significant increase compared to the previous year (2025: 17,000).

The cinemas were also pleased with the lively demand: around 10,800 cinema-goers (2025: 10,400) took advantage of the diverse festival programme. The open-air cinema on Schlossplatz was a particular crowd-puller, attracting around 8,900 viewers in perfect weather - almost twice as many as in 2025 (4,550).

The children's and youth programme confirmed its strong response: with almost 2,400 participants, the level remained consistently high. With 850 registrations, around 200 more children and young people attended the school performances than in the previous year.

The diverse Industry programme ‘etc. - events. trainings. connections.’ also met with great interest and attracted 2,600 visitors.

The grand finale was the awards ceremony on Saturday evening in the Schauburg film theatre: ten Golden Horseman and seven special prizes with a total value of 72,500 euros were awarded.

Many thanks to everyone who celebrated the short films and their makers with us: Audience, guests and partners - thanks to you, we can look back on this successful festival week.

But after the festival is before the festival: We are already looking forward to the 39 FILMFEST DRESDEN, which will take place next year from 13 to 18 April 2027.