Mannheim Arts and Film Festival

Mannheim Arts and Film Festival

The Mannheim Arts and Film Festival is an independent cultural initiative that takes place regularly in Mannheim, with events hosted across a variety of venues throughout the city. Over time, screenings and gatherings have been organized in locations such as the Maritim Hotel, Atlantis Kino, as well as smaller and more intimate spaces. This flexibility allows each event to adapt naturally to its setting and audience.

The festival is conceived as a platform for encounter and exchange. It brings together filmmakers and artists from the Mannheim region as well as from abroad, creating opportunities to present their work, discover new perspectives, and engage in direct dialogue. The focus is not only on screenings, but also on fostering a relaxed and accessible environment where participants can connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships.

While cinema remains at the core of the festival, there is a growing interest in expanding its scope. The festival is increasingly exploring collaborations with artist-run venues and multidisciplinary spaces, with the aim of integrating other forms of artistic expression — encouraging cross-disciplinary interaction where film, visual art, performance, and other formats can coexist and inform each other.

For Winners

Winners receive an official certificate recognising their achievement, and are featured on our website and across our social media channels. Selected projects may also be highlighted with dedicated banners, stills, and additional details. Films among our winners and honorable mentions are selected to be screened at our live events in Mannheim, offering filmmakers the opportunity to present their work to a local audience and connect with fellow artists and industry professionals.

FilmFreeway Gold Festival

Submission Dates

Screening dates listed on FilmFreeway are indicative and subject to change depending on venue availability. Filmmakers may also indicate preferred event dates where possible.

Submission Rules

1. A short film is defined as any film with a running time under 40 minutes.
2. Films in all languages are welcome, provided they include English subtitles.
3. Mannheim Arts and Film Festival may use submitted promotional materials for the promotion of the festival. Inclusion of accepted films in promotional activities is not guaranteed.
4. Mannheim Arts and Film Festival reserves the right to adjust festival programming and venue arrangements up until the day of the event and accepts no liability for any costs associated with such changes.
5. By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms they hold all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances for the content, including music, footage, and any third-party material used.
6. By submitting your film, you authorise Mannheim Arts and Film Festival to screen your film, or excerpts thereof, at the festival and related events.
7. Submission fees are non-refundable.
8. Mannheim Arts and Film Festival is a celebration of independent filmmaking and a space for creative encouragement and artistic exchange.
9. Mannheim Arts and Film Festival accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liability, injury, or disappointment incurred or suffered by any person as a result of submitting a film or participating in the festival and its related events.
10. Multiple entries are welcome. Each submission may be entered in more than one category.
11. Screening dates listed on FilmFreeway are indicative and subject to change, depending on venue availability and filmmaker preferences.