Oldenburg Film Festival has evolved over the past 30 years, while preserving its intimate atmosphere and founding purpose: to celebrate and support the diverse voices and visions of independent filmmakers, to honor the creativity of the artists upon which the Festival depends, and to create a unique experience and inspiring meeting place for filmmakers, audiences, and media professionals. On it’s 30th anniversary, TFV asked festival attendees what stands out to them.
Edwin Mullane, Director, “Cleaner” (2023)
“I just arrived in Oldenburg, it’s my first day and so far, first impressions, it’s all about people – from the industry, from different countries, filmmakers, and it’s such a lovely atmosphere. Everybody is mixing together. It’s quite unique for a festival really. Generally, you have different spheres of the festival pulled to other venues or other VIP events so to have everybody together is really lovely. There is something very special about that. I can’t wait for the next few days.”
Melanie Miller, producer, “Maestra” (2023)
“My favorite memory of Oldenburg from 2006, and I don’t know if they still do it; they used to do this volunteer party at the end of the festival, where instead of the volunteers waiting on us hand and foot, we actually wait on them. I ended up being the bartender for about 2 hours that night. I hope they still do that because I would love to do that again.”
Patrycja Planik , Filmmaker
“My favorite thing about this festival is that it is a well of Independent Cinema. There is nothing like this in the world. A festival hat supports and truly falling in love with independent filmmakers.”
Sara Michael, Friend of the Festival
“I know the festival from both sides. From the side of working for the festival, for Torsten, and it’s always a huge experience. Every year is so different, and I love the people, I love the guests – especially the film guests because they are so different, so multi-cultured. We always have space to get in touch, to talk with the filmmakers. There is no difference between us. That is the most wonderful thing.”
Tim Breuning, Photographer
“What makes this festival so special is there are no specific bubbles – of different movies. At different festivals, everybody just hangs with their crew whereas, at Oldenburg, everybody meets, and connects and new friendships are started. And that’s pretty unique from what I experienced at other film festivals. For me, that is pretty outstanding. “
