Palace Cinemas and Luna Palace Cinemas, in partnership with German Films, have unveiled the first highlights of the 2025 HSBC German Film Festival.
Set to captivate audiences in Perth from 8 to 28 May, the festival offers something for every film enthusiast. From thought-provoking dramas, and insightful documentaries, to delightful comedies, and family-friendly adventures, its mix of diverse narratives, cultural insights, and pure entertainment will be an unmissable event for Perth film lovers.
Returning to Palace Cinemas Raine Square, Luna Leederville and Luna on SX promises a diverse and dynamic program of contemporary German cinema, with several films arriving fresh from the prestigious 2025 Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).
A Spotlight on History and Legacy: Riefenstahl Special Presentation
One of the festival’s most anticipated offerings is the Special Presentation of Riefenstahl, a highly acclaimed documentary by celebrated filmmaker Andres Veiel.
Granted unprecedented access to the private estate of 20th-century filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, Veiel delves into the complex legacy of the woman who gained global notoriety for her Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will.
Drawing on remarkable archival material and footage, the documentary explores Riefenstahl’s life and work, shedding light on her persistent denial of close ties to the Nazi regime.
Adding to the excitement, Veiel will travel to Australia to participate in a series of Q&A events on the east coast, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the filmmaker behind this powerful work.
Festival Centrepiece: Hysteria – A Thriller Fresh from Berlinale
The 2025 Festival centrepiece, Hysteria, arrives directly from the Berlinale and is poised to be a standout of the program.
Directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, this gripping thriller examines the power of images and the dynamics of perception, projection, and social hysteria.
The film stars Devrim Lingnau, one of European cinema’s rising stars, as an assistant director intern who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and paranoia after the discovery of a burned Quran on a film set.
With its piercing reflections on contemporary issues, Hysteria promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Lighthearted Heist Comedy: Two to One
The festival’s second special presentation, Two to One (Zwei zu eins), brings a dose of humour and heart to the lineup.
Directed by an ensemble cast featuring Sandra Hüller, Ronald Zehrfeld, Peter Kurth, and Max Riemelt, this German box office hit is based on incredible true events.
Set in 1990 East Germany during the chaotic economic transition following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the film follows a group of East Germans who orchestrate a clever heist involving soon-to-be-worthless East German marks.
This lighthearted comedy has been praised for its charm and uplifting spirit, making it a must-see for those seeking a feel-good cinematic experience.
A Masterful Drama: Dying
For fans of intense, character-driven storytelling, Matthias Glasner’s Dying offers a compelling exploration of personal turmoil and familial dysfunction.
Having premiered to great acclaim at last year’s Berlinale, the film stars Lars Eidinger as a successful but deeply troubled orchestra conductor navigating the chaos of his private life.
Set between Berlin and Hamburg, Dying masterfully balances drama, tragedy, and black humour, delivering what critics have called an “indelible, richly rewarding experience.”
With its all-star cast and nuanced storytelling, this film is sure to resonate with audiences seeking a profound cinematic journey.
Kino for Kids: Family-Friendly Highlights
The festival’s popular Kino for Kids sidebar, presented by the Goethe-Institut Australia, returns with a delightful selection of films for younger audiences and families too. Among the standout titles is Winners (Sieger Sein), the winner of the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children’s Film.
This uplifting coming-of-age story follows eleven-year-old Mona, a Syrian refugee whose talent for football leads her on a journey of resilience, teamwork, and belonging.
Another gem in the lineup is Circusboy (Zirkuskind), a charming documentary direct from the 2025 Berlinale Generation K-Plus selection. The film chronicles a year in the life of the Frank travelling circus family, focusing on eleven-year-old Santino as he grows up surrounded by extended family, animals, and the magic of storytelling.
Adding to the fun is The Chaos Sisters and Penguin Paul (Die Chaosschwestern und Pinguin Paul), an adaptation of the beloved book series. This whimsical tale follows four sisters who band together to rescue a dancing penguin kidnapped from the local zoo, delivering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.
Rounding out the family-friendly offerings is The Door-to-Door Bookstore (Der Buchspazierer), based on Carsten Henn’s best-selling novel. Inspired by a real bookstore in Aachen, this tender film celebrates the magic of books and the connections they foster, offering a heartfelt ode to readers of all ages.
A Festival for All Tastes
The 2025 HSBC German Film Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of German cinema, showcasing a wide range of genres and perspectives that reflect the richness and diversity of contemporary filmmaking.
Whether you’re drawn to historical documentaries like Riefenstahl, edge-of-your-seat thrillers like Hysteria, or heartwarming family tales like Winners, there’s something in the lineup to spark curiosity and inspire conversation.
Mark your calendars for 8–28 May 2025 and prepare to immerse yourself in the best of German cinema at Palace Cinemas Raine Square, Luna Leederville, and Luna on SX.
Stay tuned for the full program announcement and ticket details!
