When is the Max Ophüls Preis 2027?

25 to 31 January 2027, in Saarbrücken.

What does the festival show?

First, second and third films by emerging German-language directors, across feature, documentary, medium-length and short film competitions.

Which countries does it cover?

Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the German-speaking film world.

In what language are the films shown?

Mostly German original version; foreign-language entries carry German subtitles. English subtitles for public screenings are not promised.

All events

Young German-language cinema · since 1980

Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis 2027

25–31 January 2027

The Max Ophüls Preis is the place where new directing and acting talent from the German-speaking world breaks through. Held every January in Saarbrücken, its 48th edition runs 25 to 31 January 2027.

48th edition · since 1980 · Germany, Austria, Switzerland

What it is

The festival, named after the director Max Ophüls, shows the first, second and third films of emerging directors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Almost every title is a world or German premiere. Four juried competitions cover the feature film, the documentary, the medium-length film and the short. It has run since 1980 and is organised by the state capital Saarbrücken.

Where careers begin

For over four decades, directors and actors have had their first win here before the wider world knew them.

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck took the short film prize in 2000, six years before The Lives of Others won the Oscar.

Hans Weingartner won the Max Ophüls Preis in 2001 for Das weiße Rauschen.

Frank Ripploh won it in 1981 for Taxi zum Klo, and Doris Dörrie took the audience prize in 1984.

Maria Schrader, Til Schweiger, Christiane Paul and Thomas Kretschmann all won the young-acting prize here in the early 1990s.

The competitions

Four juried competitions, almost all first, second or third films.

Feature filmDocumentaryMedium-length filmShort film

The prizes

The headline award is the Max Ophüls Preis for best feature film, worth 36,000 euros. Alongside it are the prize for best young acting (given to two performers), a screenplay prize, a best-direction prize and audience prizes in each competition.

Where it plays

The festival runs across four cinemas in central Saarbrücken. Each links to the venue and its programme; the CineStar is the main hub.

Cinemas on KinoNow — tap for showtimesOther film venues — tap for the venue's site

There are also regional screenings in cinemas across the Saarland under the 'MOP uff de Schnerr' banner.

Language at the festival

The programme is built from German-language work, so most screenings are in German original version. Foreign-language competition entries run with German subtitles (OmU). English subtitles for public screenings are not a documented standard here, so check the individual screening if you need them.

OV and OmU explained More German cinema

Tickets and how it works

The festival runs Monday to Sunday, 25 to 31 January 2027, with the awards on the closing weekend. The full programme, jury and screening schedule are published closer to the festival.

Festival website

Common questions

When is the Max Ophüls Preis 2027?: 25 to 31 January 2027, in Saarbrücken.
What does the festival show?: First, second and third films by emerging German-language directors, across feature, documentary, medium-length and short film competitions.
Which countries does it cover?: Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the German-speaking film world.
In what language are the films shown?: Mostly German original version; foreign-language entries carry German subtitles. English subtitles for public screenings are not promised.
What is the main prize?: The Max Ophüls Preis for best feature film, worth 36,000 euros.

Facts on this page checked on 3 September 2026.

Sources