Stories of memory, nostalgia and thought-provoking perspectives of the inner self are the highlights of the 2025 KinoFest Film Festival, which puts the spotlight on the German film industry and select Filipino short films.
Held at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas from Oct. 17 to 19, the festival aims to showcase how the German and Filipino film industries are the same, despite the differences in culture and beginnings.
‘The selections revolve around themes of memory, reimagining, and the confrontation of perspectives, while also exploring family, belonging, and care. Together, they invite audiences to reflect on personal ties, collective histories, and the power of cinema to connect communities across borders,’ a release said.
Here is the list of this year’s films for the KinoFest festival:
‘Riefenstahl’ by Andres Veiel
Screening date: Oct. 19, 8:15 p.m.
The documentary film revolves around the life and controversial legacy of writer-director Leni Riefenstahl, who is notable for making Nazi propaganda films in the 1930s. Even though Riefenstahl’s work has always been subjected to controversy, the filmmaker finds herself at the brunt of controversy; she denies aligning with Nazi ideologies.
‘Vena’ by Chiara Fleischhacker
Screening date: Oct. 19, 5 p.m.
Jenny and Bolle’s relationship is tested after it is revealed that they are expecting their first child. Turning to crystal meth as a coping mechanism, it was eventually discovered by the youth welfare office.
‘From Hilde with Love’ by Andreas Dresen
Screening dates: Oct. 18, 5:15 p.m.
Hilde and Hans’ romantic summer was interrupted after they were discovered by the Gestapo. In a quest to stay alive, Hilde pleads for her innocence, claiming that she helps Hans in transcribing coded transmissions from Moscow, Russia.
‘Köln 75’ by Ido Fluk
Screening dates: Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Based on a true story, Vera Brandes defies her conservative parents and takes it upon herself to organize a concert for American pianist and singer Keith Jarrett in Cologne, Germany.
‘The Light’ by Tom Tykwer
Screening date: Oct. 17, 8:30 p.m.
Tim, Milena, Frieda, Jon and Dio live a mundane and everyday life as a middle-class family, trying their best to get by. Their peaceful life is interrupted once Farrah, a mysterious housekeeper from Syria, enters their lives.
‘Giants of La Mancha’ by Gonzalo Gutierrez
Screening dates: Oct. 18, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, 1 p.m.
Eleven-year-old Alfonso Quixote, said to be the descendant of Don Quixote, is on a quest to save his beloved hometown La Mancha from a massive storm.
‘Another German Tank Story’ by Jannis Alexander Kiefer
Screening date: Oct. 18, 3 p.m.
A film crew from the US travels to a small village in Wiesenwalde, Germany, to create a film centered around the Second World War. Little did they know that the filming site was home to villagers with personal dreams as well.
‘Woodwalkers’ by Damian John Harper
Screening dates: Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m.; Oct. 19, 3:30 p.m.
A group of humans is blessed with the ability to shapeshift into animals. However, their abilities come at a cost when they struggle to interact with people of their kind without revealing who they truly are.
Meanwhile, here is the list of Filipino short films under the KinoFest Special:
‘Baradiya’ by Gab Mejia – Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
‘Ngatta Naddaki y Nuang?’ by Austin Tan – Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
‘Rumbles of the Earth’ by Carl Joseph Lara: – Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
‘Sa Ilalum sa Balabal sa Alitaptap’ by Juvy Ann Clarito – Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
‘Water Sports’ by ‘Baradiya’ – Oct. 18, 6 p.m.