Genrenale 4: Keep It Unreal! Interview with the Organisers [Video]

On the 17th and 18th of February, the fourth edition of the Genrenale takes place at the Babylon Kino in Berlin-Mitte. This is a festival dedicated to horror, thriller, sci-fi and splatter – set apart from the dull world of German cinema. A great experience for filmmakers and film fans with a taste for something different, all made in Germany.

The Genrenale is a film festival with a difference. Why? Because unlike the Berlinale, guests here are rarely stressed; quite the opposite, in fact – you encounter a cheerful bunch of filmmakers and film fans who transform the Babylon Kino at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz into a filmic madhouse. The reason for this is the orientation of this small film festival, which, also in its fourth edition under the Genrenale motto “Keep It Unreal“, remains resolutely dedicated to the German genre film that generally languishes in public perception. Here, horror meets thriller, action meets sci-fi and splatter. There is, of course, humour too – admittedly, it’s on the darker side.

Whether it’s a trailer – like last year’s student short film Kryo, which will be shown in full this year (32 minutes) – or a completed feature, the Genrenale offers a wonderfully varied and easily accessible programme, provided you’re inclined to look for cinematic joy outside the typical German fare of comedy and ambitious auteur films. The atmosphere before, during, and after the films is relaxed, conversation flows easily, the filmmakers and cast are approachable, and the prices are reasonable. In addition, you’ll get insights into the tough nature of the film industry through the Arri Genre Pitch. Here, filmmakers have the chance to present their film ideas in just a few minutes before industry experts, includingChristian Alvart, producer anddirector of the Til Schweiger Tatort episodes, as well as a selected audience jury (open to all applicants). In short: for anyone seeking good and above all creative entertainment, or anyone who hasn’t yet given up hope for German genre films, this is unmissable. Attendance is a must!

You’ll find the full Genrenale 4 programme here.