From May 23-28, the Neisse Film Festival will run in its 20th season. Approximately 800 film submissions have reached the festival team at the Kunstbauerkino in Grosshennersdorf, Germany, competing for a place in one of three competition categories as well as for the coveted Neisse Fish awards, of which ten in total will be granted. The submitted feature films, documentaries and short films take a look at controversial topics such as racism or terrorism, tell stories of loneliness and of coming of age, focus on the protection of animals or the environment, or on coming to terms with the GDR past.

"We are thrilled that thies year once again so many high-quality and diverse films are seeking their way to the screens and onto the programme of the Neisse Film Festival. This shows us the significance of this festival for the film sector and for the preservation of cinema in rural areas," explains Ola Staszel, one half of the festival leadership team. The decision of which films will in the end be chosen will be made by early April. "The preparations for our festival are already underway. In this 20th year, we want once again to present our audiences with an exciting festival," continues Staszel.