FilmFestival Cottbus

The showcase for the cinema of Central and Eastern Europe

The FilmFestival Cottbus (FFC) is one of the most important festivals worldwide when it comes to current filmmaking in Central and Eastern Europe. From 4 to 9 November 2025, Cottbus will once again become a lively meeting place for filmmakers, industry contacts and cinema fans from all over the world. Cinematic diversity is a top priority at the FFC: from arthouse films to blockbusters, from investigative documentaries to horror cinema, from road movies to romantic comedies, there is something for all tastes. Many films have their German or world premiere in Cottbus. At the heart of the festival are the three competitions - feature film, youth film and short film - in which courageous stories, new cinematic perspectives and exceptional talents are discovered year after year. Prizes are awarded for best director, best debut and intercultural dialogue, among others. In addition to attractive prize money, the winners of the competitions also receive the coveted glass ‘Lubina’, the symbol of the festival. The Lubina - Sorbian for ‘the lovely one’ - symbolises the cultural diversity of the region and the festival's open view across borders. Since its foundation in the early 1990s, the FFC has developed into an indispensable platform for dialogue between East and West. Filmmakers, producers and distributors from around 30 countries meet here to exchange stories and initiate new projects. An integral part of the festival is ‘connecting cottbus’ (coco), one of the oldest and most successful European co-production forums, which builds bridges and actively promotes international exchange within the film industry. The festival is accompanied by an exciting supporting programme.

Cinematic diversity is a top priority at the FFC: from arthouse films to blockbusters, from investigative documentaries to horror cinema, from road movies to romantic comedies, there is something for all tastes. Many films have their German or world premiere in Cottbus.

At the heart of the festival are the three competitions - feature film, youth film and short film - in which courageous stories, new cinematic perspectives and exceptional talents are discovered year after year. Prizes are awarded for best director, best debut and intercultural dialogue, among others.

In addition to attractive prize money, the winners of the competitions also receive the coveted glass ‘Lubina’, the symbol of the festival. The Lubina - Sorbian for ‘the lovely one’ - symbolises the cultural diversity of the region and the festival's open view across borders.

Since its foundation in the early 1990s, the FFC has developed into an indispensable platform for dialogue between East and West. Filmmakers, producers and distributors from around 30 countries meet here to exchange stories and initiate new projects.

An integral part of the festival is ‘connecting cottbus’ (coco), one of the oldest and most successful European co-production forums, which builds bridges and actively promotes international exchange within the film industry.

The festival is accompanied by an exciting supporting programme.

Watchlist