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Arc Film Festival brings international short films and Spanish culture to Mainz
April 16–18, 2026 | Mainz

From April 16 to 18, 2026, the Arc Film Festival will transform Mainz into a vibrant meeting place for international cinema, cultural exchange, and creative encounters. At the festival center, the Institut français Mainz, as well as additional screenings at Cinestar and various events across the city, visitors can expect a diverse program dedicated to short films—with a special focus on Spanish cinema.

The festival is aimed at both cinephiles and curious newcomers, intentionally creating an open and personal atmosphere. Direct exchange between filmmakers and audiences is at the heart of the experience, making the Arc Film Festival a unique event beyond traditional film festivals.

International program and cultural bridges

The festival showcases short films by filmmakers from Spain, England, Canada, Germany, Turkey, and France. The program is complemented by scene talks, workshops, networking formats, and an award ceremony, with prize money sponsored by regional production companies such as Kontrastfilm, Media Atelier, and Spektrumfilm.

A special highlight is the visit of the Andalusian group Carnaval Sin Fronteras. The ten artists bring the rich carnival tradition of Cádiz to Mainz, combining music, satire, and social reflection into a powerful performance. Through polyphonic singing, colorful costumes, and sharp, often political lyrics, they create a compelling dialogue between two carnival cultures united by humor and critical thought.

Film, art, and new perspectives

In addition to the film program, the festival presents an exhibition that dissolves the boundaries between film, painting, and space. Artists Lilo Tahmasebi and Boryana Ilieva create immersive visual worlds that reinterpret cinematic storytelling. Their works open up individual perspectives on image, space, and narration, inviting audiences to rethink visual perception.

A festival of encounters

Accompanying events such as “Breakfast with Filmmakers” at Café Freude and the “Meet Mainz Gourmet-City Tour” create additional spaces for exchange and connection. The relaxed festival atmosphere allows for direct access to filmmakers and fosters dialogue between art and audience.

Festival director Linda Gasser describes the vision of the festival:

“Cinema is a place where we not only see the world, but come to understand it in new ways. Film is a language of its own—one that transcends boundaries and connects us. With the Arc Film Festival, we want to create a space where perspectives meet, viewing habits are questioned, and new ways of seeing can emerge.”

Support and commitment

The Arc Film Festival is organized by filmmakers with the kind support of the City of Mainz, the Rhineland-Palatinate Cultural Foundation, and the Institut français. Accommodation for international guests is made possible in part through partners such as IntercityHotel, which is donating five rooms including breakfast for the international guests.

Free admission

Admission to all events is free of charge. For more information about the program.

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