The 39th Braunschweig International Film Festival (BIFF) came to a successful close in November. And: after the festival is before the festival. The anniversary will be celebrated in style next year.
The 39th Braunschweig International Film Festival has come to a successful conclusion - and the response has been extremely positive. The BIFF is delighted with the praise from viewers and international guests. With this joyful mood, the planning for the 2026 festival is already underway. The special feature: The Braunschweig International Film Festival is celebrating its anniversary and will have been bringing cinematic art to Braunschweig for 40 years next year. The date has also already been set: the 40th BIFF will take place in 2026 from November 9 to 15.
Karina Gauerhof, Artistic Director, is also looking forward to the upcoming anniversary: "For 40 years, the Braunschweig International Film Festival has been bringing people together through cinema - filmmakers and audiences, regional and international people. Cultural events such as this festival in particular create spaces for exchange, shared experiences and open discussions that have an impact far beyond the festival's movie theaters. For us, the anniversary is a moment of gratitude and encouragement: for the togetherness that is created here and for the conviction that art and culture are indispensable for a vibrant, diverse society."
Contract extension with main sponsor Volkswagen Financial Services
The festival's main sponsor, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), also has a reason to celebrate next year: VWFS is extending its sponsorship of the Braunschweig International Film Festival, marking its 30th anniversary. "Volkswagen Financial Services and the Braunschweig International Film Festival are now linked by a 30-year partnership. The film festival is not only an integral part, but definitely a highlight of our cultural sponsorship. The festival is firmly anchored in the city's society and enjoys international attention and a growing audience response, including among the young target group. The BIFF is also breaking new ground in this regard, such as innovative cooperation formats with a wide variety of institutions and players in local urban society, which also give the film festival visibility and anchoring during the year. Let's organize a special 40th festival, we are happy to be on board," says Anthony Bandmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Financial Services.
A highlight in the coming year: the opening film concert
"We are planning a very special highlight: another opening film concert. For the 40th anniversary, it will be an unforgettable experience of film and music. It will be outstanding - a moment we are looking forward to with great anticipation. I am very much looking forward to Monday, November 9, 2026," says Thorsten Rinke, Chairman of the Board of the International Filmfest Braunschweig e. V. All visitors are invited to make a note of this date in their calendars early.
By the way: In order to continue to make the festival exciting and diverse and to be able to celebrate a special anniversary together, the BIFF is still looking for further partners and sponsors for 2026 who will support the festival and help to continue to bring the art of film to Braunschweig on this scale.