Anyone looking for empowering, bold, forward-thinking, and entertaining images and stories by and about women will find what they’re looking for at the IFFF Dortmund+Köln. Starting April 22, Cologne will be the hub of filmmaking by women. Despite challenging financial conditions, numerous special events round out the 43rd edition of Germany’s largest and oldest international women’s film festival. Here, the focus is on the cinematic crafts: cinematography, sound, and curation. We have granted an international carte blanche to the Afghan Women’s Film Festival from Herat, are hosting various workshops, and are committed to fostering connections. More than ever, we are promoting the social power of a festival—because only together can we make it through these difficult times.

We are delighted that around 70 international filmmakers, experts, and artists will be guests in Cologne, including Bettina Brokemper, Alice Dalgalarrondo, Jacqueline Jansen, Hana Jušić, Narges Kalhor, Sophie Maintigneux, Anja Sunhyun Michaelsen, Biene Pilavci, Shahrbanoo Sadat, Annie Sprinkle, Gabriele Stötzer, and Athina Tsangari. Guest list.

Carte blanche for the Herat International Women’s Film Festival 🔗
In 2021, after ten years, the success story of Afghanistan’s first women’s film festival came to an abrupt end with the Taliban’s return to power. From exile in the U.S. and the Netherlands, the festival’s founders are striving to keep the festival alive despite all odds. With this program carte blanche, we express our solidarity so that the cinematic achievements of Afghan female directors are not forgotten. Alka Sadat, co-director of the festival, will present the German premiere of the documentary IN THE ROOM by Brishkay Ahmed in Cologne. It profiles female stars of the Afghan cultural scene who live in exile and fight for women’s rights.
April 24, 6:00 p.m., Orangerie Theater

Special Screening: SIRENS CALL Link
Together with the dfi – dokumentarfilminitiative im Filmbüro NW, we are screening the Cologne-produced film SIRENS CALL shortly before its theatrical release. A film into which women can immerse themselves like clear water: At its center is Gina Rønning, a psychologist with a Ph.D. from Portland, Oregon, whose “mersona,” Una the Mermaid, guides—or rather, swims—through the film. The filmmakers stage Una’s story(ies) within the architecture of American consumer destinations—the mall, the amusement park, a water theater in Florida—whose “uncanny” effect Jean Baudrillard already celebrated with his concept of the simulacrum: What is reality, what is illusion? This raises the question: What is documentary, and what is fiction? The combination of grainy 16mm film and glittering, flamboyant costumes creates an extraordinary visual experience that seems to unfold in a metaphysical world, both in terms of content and visuals.Filmmakers

Miri Ian Gossing and Lena Sieckmann will be in attendance, as will two of the protagonists: Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens.
April 24, 9:00 PM Filmforum NRW

Speed Dating Link
Intensive networking event for filmmakers and festival guests who want to make as many connections as possible in a short amount of time. All film professionals, producers, and curators are invited. In collaboration with: Filmbüro NW, LaDOC, MGZsheroes, Pro Quote Film, WIFT Cologne, WAM Women in Arts and Media, Womenize!
April 25, 10:00–11:00 a.m., Orangerie Theater, free admission

Workshop Discussion on Cinematography: Sophie Maintigneux Link
Sophie Maintigneux is one of the most important and successful international cinematographers and, as an educator, has paved the way for generations of women behind the camera. The winner of the German Camera Award has worked with Éric Rohmer, Michael Klier, Helga Reidemeister, Doris Metz, Erica von Moeller, and many, many other directors. In 2009, she launched the “Workshop Discussion on Cinematography” at the IFFF in Cologne—an intensive, eye-opening analysis of the work of her colleagues. This year, the format comes to an end in this form. To conclude, we’re reversing the roles and, together with fellow women in the field, honoring Sophie Maintigneux’s achievements as a cinematographer, educator, and advocate for equality behind the camera.
April 25, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Odeon

Soundscapes Link
For once, the image isn’t the focus here. In collaboration with Filmtonfrauen and toruspost, we invite you to a sound bath. Dolby Atmos has become the new cinema standard. In toruspost’s spacious Cinema Mischatelier in Cologne’s Südstadt, participants can immerse themselves in immersive film sound design, soundscapes, and music.
April 25, 4:00 PM, toruspost, free admission, FLINTA*-only, registration: info@filmtonfrauen.de

Panel – A Dream Without a Job? How Do We Become Feminist Film Curators? Link
We’ll discuss the historical foundations of feminist film work and offer insights into festival practices—from premiere policies and distribution strategies to audience-oriented programming. We understand feminist curation as film historiography beyond the official canon, from a power-critical, emancipatory perspective. But how do you access these films when there is a lack of educational and training institutions, and FLINTA* films are generally less visible? Additionally, curators operate in a precarious work environment. How can we support the next generation when career opportunities are so scarce and competition is intensifying?

With international curators María Zafra Cortés and Annouchka de Andrade and IFFF curators Vivien Buchhorn, Betty Schiel, and Maxa Zoller.
April 26, 12:00 PM, Filmhaus Köln, in English, free admission, ticket required

Networking Program: female film friends Link
We are thrilled that female film friends are once again part of the festival! The program offers FLINTA* individuals the opportunity to network and experience films together during the festival. This creates a new way to engage with the festival as well as a direct and inspiring exchange with the exciting filmmakers who are our guests. More information @femalefilmfriends