Dear friends of the NFF,

Yet another exceptional festival year is behind us: more than 7,150 persons attended the 22nd NEISSE NYSA NISA FILM FESTIVAL in May and experienced films, joined conversations and celebrated with us -- a clear increase in comparison to the previous year! And it is a strong indication of how very much alive the world of cinema and the exchange across borders in the three-country corner along the Neisse River is. At the same time, 2025 marks an important change in our team: as of December 2025, Clemens Meyer is succeeding Ola Staszel as co-director of the festival. Ola Staszel has shaped the NFF over the course of many years with her great passion, clear vision and tireless dedication. We thank Ola from the bottom of our hearts for everything she has done for the NFF and wish her all the best and much success in her new duties with DOK Leipzig.

Our thanks also go first and foremost to you - our audience - for your curiosity and enthusiasm, for positive as well as negative feedback and inspiring conversations. We are very thankful for our partners as well, for their continuing support and open cooperation as well as for the entire team in the festival central office and in the various screening locations, who show up with such enthusiastic dedication, creativity and committment for every film, every event and every conversation! Thank you one and all!

We are looking forward to the coming 23rd festival year 2026. The festival runs from 26-31 May, and we are excited about discovering new films and once again meeting fascinating people! Until then, we wish you a Merry Christmas and relaxing holidays, and a great start into the new year!

Warmly, Andreas Friedrich, Clemens Meyer and the whole NFF team