DER NEUE HEIMATFILM

The festival, held for the first time in 1988 in the charming medieval town of Freistadt, Upper Austria, since its first edition aims to present the genre of „new Heimatfilm“, far from kitsch and triviality.

The festival program explores and challenges the term „Heimat“ (German for home/homeland) and intends to shed a light on all its facets. While identity and migration have developed as two of the key themes over the past years, stories of the often less represented life and structural change in rural and remote areas are an important focus of the festival.

During five days the festival presents a diversity of storytelling and film genres – from poetic essay to thriller and comedy – giving the opportunity to the audience in Freistadt to see and discuss high-quality productions from all over the world in a laid-back and inspiring atmosphere.

We are looking forward to again presenting around 50 international fiction, documentary and short films – welcoming many guests to the lovely town of Freistadt.
Additionally the festival restaurant will open its doors every afternoon and concerts every evening  will round out the whole program.

One of the main assets of the festival being the opportunity of close exchange among festival guests and audience we hope to meet you in person in August!