We are delighted to announce the return of the HSBC German Film Festival, Australia's only dedicated celebration of German language cinema, screening from 8 May – 27 May!

Presented by Palace and German Films, this year’s dynamic line-up of contemporary German cinema includes powerful dramas, insightful true-life stories, delightful comedy and charming family films.  

This year's festival Centrepiece is AMRUM, the celebrated new feature from multi award-winning director Fatih Akin. The film is a moving and deeply poignant drama about a 12-year-old boy named Nanning who lives on Amrum Island in 1945, during the final days of the war. Starring Laura Tonke, Diane Kruger and Matthias Schweighöfer, plus a brilliant performance from the young lead Jasper Billerbeck, Amrum is based on the real-life story of co-writer Hark Bohm.

Cannes Film Festival Jury Award winner SOUND OF FALLING (In die Sonne schauen) is the festival Special Presentation. Directed by Mascha Schilinski, the haunting drama follows four girls across four generations experiencing their youth on the same farm in northern Germany.

From Switzerland comes a warm and humorous portrait of a unique Swiss cultural phenomenon in HELLO BETTY (Hallo Betty). Set in 1956, Hello Betty follows Emmi Creola, a talented copywriter who defies a male dominated workplace by inventing “Betty Bossi”, a fictional housewife who becomes Switzerland’s culinary icon.

The popular ‘Kino for Kids’ sidebar, presented by the Goethe-Institut Australia, returns with a superb selection of films for younger cinemagoers and families. From Austria is THE SECRET FLOOR (Das geheime Stockwerk), a playful time-travel adventure shot in stunning Alpine locations. BARRY & ME (Mein Freund Barry) is a breathtaking live-action adventure inspired by the legend of Switzerland’s most famous rescue dog, the St. Bernard. Featuring the legendary German children's character Pumuckl, first created in 1961, PUMUCKL’S BIG MIX-UP (Pumuckl und das große Missverständnis) is a charming and entertaining tale that combines live action and animation.

For group bookings or school enquiries, please contact Bodil groupbookings@lunapalace.com.au