Festival Highlights 2025: What to expect at the Return International Film & Art Festival
- Returniaf
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 12
October 23–25, 2025 | Kulturzentrum & Kino mon ami, Weimar
From October 23 to 25, 2025, the fifth edition of the Return International Film & Art Festival will take place at the Kulturzentrum and Kino mon ami in Weimar.
This year's festival is under the motto:
„Civilization: Did you read the terms & conditions?“
From nearly 600 submissions from over 60 countries, 26 films have been selected, which will be presented over three days in the categories of Animation, Fiction, and Documentary.
We warmly invite you to participate in this special festival, which connects international artists, filmmakers, and the audience.
Tobi will be creating the facade lighting (video mapping) on the mon ami building during the festival.
Festival-Program
Thursday, October 23
5:00 PM – Street festival with live music, food & drinks in front of Kino mon ami
Host: Katharina Sturm
Live Bands: Atafrava (Thuringian Grammy Winner 2025) & SíNCO & other guests
7:00 PM – Exhibition opening with reception in the lobby of Kino mon ami
8:00 PM – Opening film & film discussions in the cinema
Friday, October 24
From 4:30 PM (3 blocks) Film screenings & film discussions in Kino mon ami
Workshop 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Shaping the Future of Media Speculatively (Workshops running from October 15–24)
Saturday, October 25
5:00 PM Film screenings & film discussions in Kino mon ami
7:00 PM – Reception in the main hall of the Kulturzentrum mon ami
7:30 PM – Award Ceremony & Gala (Host: Laura Paloma)
Musical accompaniment: Nora Thiele
Program: Jury statements, workshop presentations, official award ceremony
From 10:00 PM – Concert & Party (Kulturzentrum mon ami)
Live: Doro Et Entourage Band
DJs: Radikarlaaa & Pani Paulo
Supporting Program
Exhibition
October 23 – November 30: Painting, photography, graphic art & illustration at Kino mon ami on the festival theme.
Workshops – Free Entry!
October 15–24, 2025
As part of the Return International Film & Art Festival, we invite you to a series of inspiring workshops.
All formats are free and open to filmmakers, artists, and those with creative interests – regardless of experience or background.
Film & Media
Oct 15–16: Film Analysis
Location: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
→ Exploring the viewing, reading, and understanding of film together with experts.
Oct 20–22: Film Production - The Power of the Media: Raising Awareness of Manipulation
Location: Nivre Filmstudio
Cooperation with Nivre Film Studio
→ A practical insight into creative production processes – from idea to camera.
Oct 20–22: 3D Animation
Location: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Cooperation with Bigchild Animation Firm & Bauhaus Uni
→ Introduction to the world of digital animation and visual storytelling.
Art & Society
Oct 16–17 & 22: Art Poster: Activism & Democracy
Location: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
→ Artistic design as an expression of social stance – where design meets engagement.
Oct 24: Shaping the Future of Media Speculatively
Cooperation with THAK & MENT
→ A workshop on visions, utopias, and the role of media in a changing world.
Registration & More Info on Workshops:
Registration & More Info on Workshops: here
Jury 2025
We are delighted to welcome the following outstanding jury members this year:
Rainer Bock, internationally renowned actor
Christian Kahrmann, actor & director
Yvonne Andrä, filmmaker
Be There!
Experience a diverse program of film, art, music, workshops, and encounters – right in the heart of Weimar.
We look forward to welcoming you personally to the festival!
