The largest independent film festival in the UK, Raindance Film Festival announces that Germany will be Guest of Honour at the 32nd Raindance Film Festival, running 19-28 June. This year, German Films will join forces with Raindance to present a new wave of German cinema achievements and to showcase exceptional German talent worldwide.
This is a significant year for German Films, as they are celebrating their 70th anniversary in 2024. German Films wants to use this anniversary to place a special focus on 70 years of German cinema abroad at events throughout the year – providing Raindance with a perfect opportunity to join the celebration by welcoming Germany as this year’s Guest of Honour. And the 74th Berlin International Film Festival provided an opportune moment for Raindance to announce this news.
Together with feature film and short film premieres by up-and-coming German filmmakers, Raindance’s programme will welcome a special retrospective excerpt from “70 Years of German Cinema – A Success Story.” Curated by Alfred Holighaus, this film series looks back on seven decades of German cinema abroad. There will also be a special masterclass and a special guest from the ‘Face To Face’ campaign, focusing on showcasing the most influential German talents currently working in the industry.
Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films says: “We are delighted that Germany is the Guest of Honor at Raindance – especially in 2024 when German Films celebrates its 70th anniversary. There aren’t that many German films in UK cinemas. So this is a great opportunity to highlight German cinema and showcase German filmmakers to a British audience. German Films also appreciates the Raindance Festival because it gives debut filmmakers a chance and provides a forum for up-and-coming independent and arthouse talent to present their projects.“
Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance adds: “We are privileged to welcome Germany as our special Guest of Honour this year – more so, this being a significant 70th anniversary year for German Films. Raindance is thrilled to be a part of the wider celebrations of German cinema abroad. And all of us at Raindance are eager to look forward to the future of German cinema, and to champion future generations of filmmakers from Germany, as we can’t wait to see what the next 70 years has in store.”
Last year’s Guest of Honour at Raindance was Catalonia. Presented in partnership with Catalan Films, this special focus included the UK premieres of four important new films from Catalonia including closing gala Un Amor directed by Isabel Coixet, a dedicated shorts programme, and special industry sessions. Previous guests have included Cyprus, Italy, Mexico, Quebec, and Japan, amongst others.
Full details of the 32nd Raindance Film Festival will be announced at Raindance’s programme launch during the Cannes Film Festival in May.
