HSBC German Film Festival 2024

One of Australia’s largest European language film festivals, the HSBC German Film Festival is back. Presented by Palace in cooperation with German Films and the support of new naming partner HSBC, the festival showcases the best of contemporary German, Austrian, and Swiss German cinema 7 May – 5 June in seven cities around the country: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Byron Bay.

The festival includes key features fresh from the prestigious Berlinale. Elsewhere, the program comes to life with program strands dedicated to Austrian and Swiss cinema, a retrospective on the rich history of German cinema, children's films, and a retrospective on legendary director Werner Herzog.

IML’s Pick

Dark Satellites

Based on the eponymous short story collection by Clemens Meyer, this poignant exploration of loneliness and connection tells three stories taking place in the city of Leipzig. Portrayed with touching realism by a diverse cast, Director Thomas Stuber skilfully juxtaposes the unglamorous, laborious days of cleaner Christa and hairdresser Birgitt with the intimacy and warmth of their evenings together. Elsewhere, the owner of a snack bar smokes a cigarette with his Muslim neighbour, brought together by the simple realities of Leipzig life. Meanwhile, on the city's outskirts a security guard's moon-lit solitude is broken by an encounter with a woman fleeing war. Throughout this poetic rendering, Stuber captures the nuanced dynamics of these relationships, transforming mundane settings into sanctuaries of shared dreams and quiet rebellion against solitude.

The multicultural cast brings authenticity and depth to the narrative, emphasizing Leipzig's vibrant yet isolating urban environment. The film's strength lies in its subtle storytelling and the profound performances of its leads, whose chemistry elevates the simple plot into a heartfelt reflection on human connection. "Dark Satellites" is a quietly powerful ode to finding companionship and hope in unexpected places.

Canberra: 7 May – 29 May, Palace Electric
Sydney: 8 May – 29 May, Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central, Palace Moore Park (new)
Brisbane: 9 May – 29 May, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
Melbourne: 10 May – 29 May, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema and Palace Penny Lane (new)
Adelaide: 15 May – 5 June, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Perth: 16 May – 5 June, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square
Byron Bay: 16 May – 5 June, Palace Byron Bay

For more information, please visit www.germanfilmfestival.com.au

About IML World Film & Festival Guide

The problem: It’s difficult to find one place where Australia’s many film festivals and other world cinema events are listed and regularly updated.

The solution: IML World Film & Festival Guide Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to film festivals and other world cinema screen events across Australia.

The guide is updated regularly, so whether it’s a French New Wave retrospective, contemporary North African cinema, or the latest Italian smash-hit comedy, if it’s screening near you, it’s here.