New Zealand, France, Australia 1993Director:Jane CampionWriter:Jane CampionCinematographer:Stuart DryburghEditor:Veronika JenetMusic:Michael NymanSound:Annabelle Sheehan, Lee SmithWith:Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna PaquinProducer:Jan ChapmanProduction Company:CiBy 2000, Jan Chapman Productions121 min, Colour

The 33rd BIFF opens with the German premiere of the live-to-film version of Jane Campion's masterpiece THE PIANO: the Braunschweig State Orchestra will be playing Michael Nyman's score – which is considered one of the most important and successful soundtracks of all time - live to the film images. The live music version offers the chance to experience the highly emotional film particularly intensively.

A strong woman in a time of Victorian prudery. The mute widow Ada is a passionate pianist. But in her arranged marriage she is no longer allowed to pursue this passion. The film was awarded three Oscars and the Palme d'Or of the Cannes Film Festival. This makes Campion one of only two women to win the main prize in Cannes.