Since 2004, the FiSH Film Festival has been the central platform for young filmmakers in MV and one of the most important newcomer film festivals in northern Germany.
Promoting young talent, cultural space and the democratic voice of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
For over two decades, the FiSH Film Festival Rostock has been a key driver of young film culture in north-eastern Germany. Originating from a local idea in 2004, it has developed into the most important young film festival in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and an established fixture in the national and Northern European cultural calendar. As the only festival of its kind in the state, FiSH offers young filmmakers up to the age of 26 a professional stage, a creative home and access to networks that otherwise exist primarily in regions with a strong film industry. Under the patronage of Minister President Manuela Schwesig and Rostock's Lord Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger, the festival attracts several thousand visitors to Rostock's city harbor every spring.
Competitions that show diversity
Two film competitions form the heart of the festival: the nationwide short film competition JUNGER FILM for filmmakers up to the age of 26 and the Northern European short film competition OFFshorts: Young Baltic Cinema, which brings together the film cultures of the Baltic Sea region. Filmmakers from Germany, Scandinavia, the Baltic States and other Baltic countries come together here. The main series are complemented by the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Media Competence Award, which honors projects dedicated to teaching media literacy, and the PopFiSH music video competition, which creatively combines the best of film and music.
Unique festival format: public jury discussions
A special feature of FiSH is the public jury exchange. Immediately after the screenings, jury members discuss live on stage - transparent, approachable, controversial. This not only creates an exceptionally open festival atmosphere, but also a film-cultural learning space for the audience and young talents.
A festival that listens
FiSH makes young perspectives visible. Here, filmmakers talk about what moves them artistically, politically and emotionally. "Art is always a mirror of its time," says festival director Hella Rihl - and it is precisely this debate that the festival facilitates. At a time when democratic structures are coming under pressure and social division is on the rise, FiSH is making a conscious statement: Young people should be heard, taken seriously and empowered.
Year-round impact: media education & cultural work
The FiSH Film Festival Rostock has an impact far beyond the festival framework. With workshops, mobile film programs, student juries, community events, appearances at music festivals and collaborations with partner festivals in Europe, FiSH also brings film culture to structurally weak regions of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In a federal state without its own film academy, the festival plays a central role in promoting young filmmakers and has accompanied talents such as Max Gleschinski ("Alaska", "Polizeiruf: Tu es!") and Marc Sternkiker ("Mels Block") on their way.
Culture as a democratic place
The festival's long-standing work is based on the conviction that culture is not a "soft factor", but a social necessity. It creates encounters, strengthens critical thinking, promotes dialog and creates community. Young people are taken seriously and involved in shaping culture and society. "To be listened to by older people is cool," says a 13-year-old filmmaker - and thus describes what the FiSH Film Festival Rostock stands for.
Conclusion: film, education and social responsibility
FiSH is a film festival, educational venue, cultural project and democratic infrastructure all in one. It opens up spaces for creativity, discussion, growth and social responsibility and is an indispensable place for young people in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany and the entire Baltic Sea region: a place where art speaks and society listens.
