FilmFest Hamburg (24 September-3 October) presents new works by internationally renowned directors, award-winning festival films and movies by new voices. The festival’s director, Malika Rabahallah, speaks about the themes of this year’s programme, the aim of its industry events and the role of film festivals in the modern age.

Cineuropa: How does this year’s programme selection reflect the current state of the world?
Malika Rabahallah: Our programme selection clearly shows what matters most to people right now. For me, three themes run like a common thread through this year’s programme: freedom, connection and new beginnings. Many films tell stories of societies and people under pressure, but also of the longing for closeness, community and change. Especially at a time of uncertainty and polarisation, I find that very reassuring. Cinema can’t solve the world’s problems, but it can help us understand them differently – and perhaps better.

How has FilmFest Hamburg changed under your leadership in terms of programming, reach and international networking?
From the very beginning, it was important to me to open up the festival more – to the city, to the audience and, at the same time, to the international film industry. A festival can be deeply rooted in its local community while remaining internationally relevant. In terms of programming, we naturally aim to showcase big names alongside new discoveries. At the same time, we’ve expanded formats that foster connection and participation. This includes the “Free Admission Day” as well as our international industry programme. The Industry Days have also grown significantly. Hamburg should be a place not only where films get shown, but also where new connections, ideas and projects take shape.

What do you consider to be your most important achievement so far that has shaped the festival?
If I had to name one thing, it would be making the event more inclusive. FilmFest Hamburg isn’t meant to be a closed-off space, but rather a place where very different people can come together. This is particularly evident on Free Admission Day. Making the cinema accessible for free for an entire day of the festival sends a powerful message. But perhaps the real achievement is less a single event and more an attitude – that international cinema, glamour, openness, the industry and the audience don’t have to be at odds with one another.

What are your medium- and long-term goals?
I want Hamburg to become even more of a hub where the international film industry comes together while at the same time giving the entire city the feeling that this is our festival. And, of course, as one of the most important gatherings in Germany, FilmFest Hamburg should have a firm place on the international festival map.

What are the highlights and new features of the Industry Days?
The Industry Days have become much more than just a traditional side programme to the festival. From 28 September-1 October, we bring together producers, distributors, international sales agents, creatives and other industry representatives from Germany and many other countries. The various formats address different phases and challenges of filmmaking. One key component is European Work in Progress [EWIP], where new European projects are presented and international contacts can be established at a very early stage. The International Film Distribution Summit [IFDS], on the other hand, addresses a question that is becoming increasingly important: how do films even reach their audiences today? Especially in light of changing viewing habits and a challenging international cinema market, we must develop new ideas for distribution and exhibition. The fact that the Marché du Film in Cannes is an official partner of the IFDS this year represents an important step for us in international networking. In addition, there is “Made in Germany”, which addresses highly topical issues in the German film industry; the Explorer Conference, held under the motto “Redefining Production”; and our programmes for emerging talent.

To what extent can FilmFest Hamburg and international industry events benefit from each other?
Film is international, which is why a festival today can’t operate in isolation. Important relationships often develop over the course of years – among festivals, producers, international sales agents, distributors and filmmakers. What matters most is that these connections lead to concrete results: that a film finds a distributor, a project finds a new partner, a talented filmmaker gains access to an international network, or that we bring new ideas back to Hamburg.

What role does a film festival play in the age of modern technologies like streaming and AI?
Perhaps that’s precisely why the role of a festival is becoming more important. Today, in theory, almost everything is available at any time. But availability alone doesn’t generate attention, let alone a shared experience. A festival curates, creates context and brings people together. No algorithm can replace that immediate experience.

For me, streaming isn’t the enemy of cinema. People watch movies in very different ways today. What matters is what makes cinema special and how we keep that experience alive. When it comes to AI, we’re only just getting started. We should take a closer look: what opportunities are emerging for creatives, where do the risks lie, and how do we ensure that technology supports the creative process, rather than making human creativity replaceable? Do we need more regulation regarding the use of AI in the film industry?