Austrian cinema is gearing up for a standout presence at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, with a record number of titles set to premiere, the Austrian Film Institute has announced. Twelve Austrian films — including ten federally funded productions — will celebrate world premieres starting February 12 at one of the world’s most prestigious film events.
Vice Chancellor and Culture Minister Andreas Babler congratulated filmmakers on the achievement, calling it “a remarkable year” for Austrian cinema.
Among the Austrian entries are two competition films: ROSE by Markus Schleinzer and THE LONELIEST MAN IN TOWN from the duo Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel. An Austrian co-production, DIE BLUTGRÄFIN by Ulrike Ottinger, will open in a gala presentation. Other notable works include WAX & GOLD by Ruth Beckermann, VIER MINUS DREI by Adrian Goiginger, and LONDON by Sebastian Brameshuber, as well as experimental films such as FLIM FLAM and FOREVER…FOREVER. Filmmaker and artist Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński will present Nursery Rhymes. (Holy) Water, and Georg Tiller will showcase a film made with artificial intelligence titled THE VALLEY WHERE LOAB LIVES.
The Berlinale spotlight also includes promising emerging talent: Austrian Film Academy graduate Angelika Spangel’s short EIN UNFALL is featured in the festival’s short film competition, alongside YURAGIM by Varia Garib and Kirill Komar.
Austrian industry representatives noted that this record presence at the Berlinale complements an already strong festival season. Austrian films have also premiered at major events such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Max Ophüls Film Festival in Saarbrücken, building on a commercially successful domestic year in 2025.
