A new lineup of contemporary German language cinema will arrive in Melbourne this autumn as the 2026 HSBC German Film Festival returns to local screens from 6 May to 27 May.
Presented by Palace and German Films, the annual festival will once again showcase a mix of powerful dramas, true stories, comedies and family friendly films at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas. The event remains Australia’s only dedicated celebration of German language cinema.
Leading the program as the Festival Centrepiece is Amrum, the latest film from multi award winning director Fatih Akin. Set on the island of Amrum in 1945 during the final days of World War II, the story follows a 12 year old boy named Nanning as he helps his mother survive the harsh conditions of wartime life.
Nanning hunts seals in dangerous waters, fishes at night and works on a nearby farm to help feed his family. While the windswept island offers moments of beauty, the arrival of peace reveals new challenges closer to home. The film stars Laura Tonke, Diane Kruger and Matthias Schweighöfer, alongside young actor Jasper Billerbeck. Amrum is based on the real life story of co writer Hark Bohm.
Another highlight is the Special Presentation Sound of Falling, directed by Mascha Schilinski. The Cannes Film Festival Jury Award winning film follows four girls from different generations who grow up on the same farm in northern Germany, weaving together their stories across time.
The program also includes Hello Betty, a warm comedy from Switzerland set in 1956. The film follows Emmi Creola, a copywriter who creates the fictional housewife Betty Bossi and unexpectedly turns the character into a cultural icon.
For younger audiences, the Kino for Kids sidebar returns with family titles including The Secret Floor, School of Magical Animals 4, Barry and Me and Pumuckl’s Big Mix Up.
The full festival program will be announced and tickets released in early April.
For more information, please visit germanfilmfestival.com.au
