Festival Augenblick

Festival Augenblick: Twenty Years of German-Language Cinema in Grand Est

Since 2005, Festival Augenblick has offered a privileged look at German-language cinema every autumn. Supported by the association Le RECIT (Réseau Est Cinéma Image et Transmission), this unique festival in France offers a comprehensive panorama of German-language film production, from essential classics to the latest contemporary creations from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

A Regional Festival of Scope

The originality of the Festival Augenblick lies in its exceptional territorial reach. For nearly three weeks in November, the festival takes over more than forty cinemas and screening venues throughout the Grand Est region, primarily in Alsace. The major cinemas of Strasbourg (Cinéma Vox, Star, UGC), Mulhouse (Cinéma Bel-Air, Le Palace), and Colmar are joined by cinemas in medium-sized towns and rural areas, ensuring remarkable cultural coverage of the territory. This wide distribution allows it to reach a diverse audience, from urban cinephiles to viewers in small communities.

A Demanding and Eclectic Program

Each edition features a rigorous selection of feature films and short films, covering all genres: fiction, documentary, animation, auteur films, and genre cinema. The program highlights the major trends in contemporary German-language cinema while paying tribute to works from the German, Austrian, and Swiss cinematic heritage. The 2025 edition, the festival's 21st, presented 44 feature films and 18 short films, totaling over 1,166 screenings and attracting 62,176 spectators.

An Educational and Cultural Tool

The Festival Augenblick plays an essential role in the dissemination of German-language culture and the learning of the German language in the Grand Est region. Many screenings are offered to school groups—middle schools, high schools, and universities—accompanied by educational materials and interventions from teachers and film professionals. The festival also organizes a critics' competition for students, reinforcing its educational roots and its cultural mediation mission.

A Cross-Border Cinema Celebration

Located in a border region with Germany and Switzerland, the Festival Augenblick naturally fits into a cross-border dynamic. It contributes to cultural dialogue between German-speaking countries and France, offering Alsatian and Lorraine audiences a window onto the cinematic creations of their neighbors. The opening and closing nights, preview screenings, and meetings with directors are key moments of conviviality and sharing.