Our Journey
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2025 - 8th Edition: International Acclaim
Festival Highlights
- 150 films from 45 countries
- 12,000+ festival attendees
- 25 international press representatives
- €50,000 in prize money distributed
- First-ever live streaming component
Major Achievements
- European Film Festival Association membership
- UNESCO Creative Cities partnership
- Goethe Institute collaboration launch
- International documentary co-production market
- Young filmmakers mentorship program
2024 - 7th Edition: Digital Innovation
Festival Statistics
- 130 films from 38 countries
- 10,500 festival attendees
- 20 industry professionals
- €40,000 in awards
- First VR/AR showcase
New Initiatives
- Climate change documentary focus
- Women in film spotlight series
- Digital preservation workshop
- International co-production pitching
- Student film competition launch
2023 - 6th Edition: Cultural Partnerships
Growth Metrics
- 115 films from 32 countries
- 8,500 attendees
- 15 international guests
- €35,000 prize pool
- Extended to 7-day format
Cultural Impact
- Museum partnerships established
- Educational outreach programs
- Local filmmaker support fund
- International jury diversification
- Accessibility improvements
2022 - 5th Edition: International Recognition
Milestone Achievements
- 100 films from 28 countries
- 7,200 attendees
- 12 international industry guests
- €30,000 in prizes
- First international press coverage
Program Expansion
- Documentary showcase launch
- Short film competition formalized
- Industry networking events
- International submission platform
- Professional jury establishment
2021 - 4th Edition: Resilience & Adaptation
Pandemic Adaptations
- 85 films from 22 countries
- 5,500 attendees (reduced capacity)
- Hybrid screening format
- €25,000 solidarity fund
- Online filmmaker Q&As
Innovation Focus
- Digital screening technology upgrade
- Safety protocol implementation
- Remote participation options
- Filmmaker support initiatives
- Community solidarity programs
2020 - 3rd Edition: Digital Pivot
Digital Transformation
- 75 films from 20 countries
- Virtual screenings introduced
- Online festival platform
- €20,000 emergency fund
- First live-streamed awards
Community Response
- Local filmmaker support
- Virtual networking sessions
- Educational webinar series
- International solidarity initiatives
- Future planning workshops
2019 - 2nd Edition: Rapid Growth
Expansion Highlights
- 65 films from 18 countries
- 4,200 attendees
- Additional venue secured
- €15,000 prize fund
- International submissions opened
Program Development
- European focus established
- Masterclass series launched
- Industry partnerships begun
- Volunteer program expanded
- Media coverage increased
2018 - 1st Edition: The Foundation
Founding Vision
- 45 films from 15 countries
- 2,800 attendees
- Single venue format
- €10,000 initial investment
- Local focus with international appeal
Inaugural Success
- Community enthusiasm exceeded expectations
- Filmmaker participation strong
- Local media coverage positive
- Cultural impact recognized
- Foundation for future growth established
Historical Moments
Evolution Timeline
From Local Initiative to International Recognition
The Bonn International Film Festival has grown from a modest local initiative in 2018 to an internationally recognized cultural event. Our journey reflects the power of community support, artistic vision, and unwavering commitment to cinematic excellence.
2018-2020: Foundation Years
Establishing our identity, building community support, and creating the framework for future growth.
2021-2023: Growth & Recognition
Expanding internationally, developing industry partnerships, and gaining cultural recognition.
2024-2025: International Status
Achieving international acclaim, major partnerships, and establishing lasting cultural impact.