Hofmann's recommendations

5th Kitzbühel Film Festival

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[Translate to en:] Links im Bild: Michael von Wolkenstein, Geburtshelfer und Präsident des Kitzbühel Filmfestivals / Rechts: Michael Reisch, Geschäftsführer und Initiator des Festivals

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[Translate to en:] Connoisseur Circle im Gespräch mit Igor Ustinov, Sohn des Schauspielers Sir Peter Ustinov, einer der Gäste des Filmfestivals 2016

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[Translate to en:] Das Autokino In Kitzbühel

The film festival is taking place in Kitzbühel for the fifth time this year.

The event, which was founded with a great deal of idealism and enthusiasm, has developed into a fixed meeting point for the film industry. A recommendation to meet young filmmakers in Kitzbühel from August 21 to 27.

The Kitzbühel Film Festival has managed to secure a permanent place at the FIAPF, the International Federation of Film Producers Association, which is based in Brussels and is regarded as the world federation of film producer associations. "Of around 3,000 film festivals worldwide, only 150 are accredited, including such prominent events as Cannes, Berlin or Toronto, or even Kitzbühel as a specialized festival for "young directors films". In Austria, only the Viennale is accredited," explains Michael von Wolkenstein, midwife and president of the Kitzbühel Film Festival. As a board member of the international association, of which von Wolkenstein is a member, it is gratifying and astonishing that the festival in Kitzbühel is developing so positively. Probably also thanks to the tireless efforts of Michael Reisch, managing director and initiator of the festival, and his team.

There are various venues for visitors interested in film. For example, the Kitzbühel cinema, a school playground, the drive-in cinema at Unterer Hahnenkamm-Platz or the family atmosphere in Europe's highest cinema at 1,670 m above sea level. At Kino am Berg, 600 guests can watch a specially selected movie under the stars.

Of course, there is also a tribute to the films that were once made in Kitzbühel. But first and foremost, the festival aims to promote young filmmakers. "We received over 650 film submissions for 2017, but only a few can be screened," explains von Wolkenstein. An internationally highly-qualified jury of 12 members takes on the submitted works. "This time we also have pianist Jan Jiracek von Arnim on the jury. Music is very important for films," says von Wolkenstein.

Just as important for the young filmmakers: the screenplay retreat. The association enables young authors who have already gained initial experience with a filmed screenplay to attend this three-week intensive workshop with film experts, tutors and trainers.

Or the Alpendating, a forum for up-and-coming production talents with directors, filmmakers, producers and sponsors from Alpine nations such as Austria, Switzerland and Bavaria. The film festival is thus an interface that enables young filmmakers to talk and exchange ideas with important decision-makers in an informal setting. And interested visitors can engage intensively with the subject of film and make direct contact with many participants.

More information: ffkb.at