With a program featuring 37 contemporary films, encompassing German currents, German shorts, Kinder Kapers, Swiss contributions and a retrospective on the work of renowned director Leander Haußmann, the Festival will be held across six cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, commencing in Sydney on April 18.

The exciting line-up also includes several movies that have been nominated for the German Film Award LOLA – the most renowned Film Award in Germany!

The first glamorous Opening Night will take place in Sydney on April 18, with a screening of Leander Haußmann’s latest movie, the 1930s satire, Hotel Lux.

Summer Window, a haunting romantic drama, directed by Hendrik Handloegten, will be the Opening Night film in Melbourne on April 19.

Leander Haußmann and Hendrik Handloegten will be guests of the Festival and will participate in several Q&As and panel discussions, along with up-and-coming filmmaker, Alice Gruia, who will present her documentary, Rodicas, which was filmed in Sydney.

Details for other state-based Opening Nights are:

Brisbane April 19 – Cracks in the Shell 
Adelaide April 26 – Westwind 
Canberra May 3 – 4 Days in May 
Perth May 3 – Westwind

Festival dates and venues are as follows:

Sydney: 18.04. - 30.04. 2012

Chauvel Cinema / Palace Norton Street

Melbourne: 19.04. - 30.04.2012 
Palace Cinema Como / Kino Cinemas

Brisbane: 19.04. - 25.04.2012
Palace Centro Cinema

Adelaide: 26.04. - 01.05.2012
Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas

Canberra: 03.05. - 06.05.2012 
National Film and Sound Archive

Perth: 03.05. - 06.05.2012 
Cinema Paradiso

You will find the full program, booking details and further information on the festival website at www.goethe.de/ozfilmfest.