“This year, we noticed filmmakers becoming increasingly courageous with genre and storytelling,” MacMahon states. “There was more genre-mixing, thrillers, surreal elements and unusual approaches to familiar stories, which we love to see. Resistance also emerged as a strong theme, which led to our short film programme ‘The Art of Resistance’, exploring resistance politically, environmentally, and on a personal level.” She adds that while certain focus areas like environmental films and experimental work naturally recur, the ultimate goal is to remain responsive to the moment.

While directing and acting often take center stage in film coverage, cinema is an inherently collaborative art form, a platform of creative interdependence. This year, Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin expands its industry and community side events by partnering with organizations such as Cinematographinnen and Filmtonfrauen to highlight often-underrepresented technical roles. Through dedicated panels like “Through Her Lens” and “The Power of Sound”, the festival actively addresses the persistent gender gap in cinematography and sound design.

“With our side events, we always try to explore areas we haven’t specifically focused on before,” says MacMahon. She emphasizes that women remain underrepresented in behind-the-camera roles, particularly on larger productions. “Cinematography and sound have an enormous influence on how we experience a film, from its visual language and perspective to its atmosphere and emotional impact. We want to highlight that filmmaking is a collaborative process and celebrate not only directors, but all the people whose creative work shapes a film."

Beyond the screen, the core identity of FFFB lies in its community-driven atmosphere, where live Q&A sessions following screenings bridge the gap between international filmmakers and Berlin’s cinema lovers. According to MacMahon, these interactions connect the work on screen with the people and stories behind it, offering audiences valuable context into different international production realities. Pointing to the Spanish documentary Up & Running (Corren las liebres), which was filmed over five years, she notes how hearing about a director's journey adds a whole new perspective to the viewing experience. “Of course, webelieve every film should stand on its own without needing an explanation,” MacMahon clarifies. “But hearing from the filmmaker can add another layer and sometimes even make you want to watch the film again and discover something you hadn’t noticed before.”

This dialogue works both ways, giving creators a chance to experience immediate audience reactions and unexpected interpretations. “That personal exchange is something we really value about live events,” MacMahon emphasizes. “Our festival is intentionally intimate and down-to-earth: audiences and filmmakers can meet, ask questions, continue conversations afterwards and perhaps have a drink together at one of our partner venues. Creating that direct connection between filmmakers and audiences is a big part of what makes the festival special for us.”

Curio-City Experiences #3: The Columbist x FFFB

On Sunday, October 11, a very special chapter for The Columbist’s multi-layered events awaits our community: Curio-City Experiences returns with its third edition, this time in cooperation with Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin. While this edition brings the layers of community and art together; it is powered by the curiosity developed for women+ voices in creative industries, and the pulse of film in Berlin.

We meet at Kino Moviemento (Kottbusser Damm 22, 10967) for the screening of Isola (2025, dir. Nora Jaenicke, Germany) at 7:30 PM. The movie is in German with English subtitles. Set on a remote island, “Isola” follows Joanna, a woman confined to life with her older, disabled husband, who finds an unexpected confidante in his mysterious caretaker, Ada. As their initial bond deepens, the dynamic shifts into a tense, psychological power struggle charged with obsession and manipulation. In the end, Joanna discovers that she hasn't found liberation at all, but rather a new and terrifying kind of trap.

Following the screening, director Nora Jaenicke will host a very special Q&A session. This offers a rare chance to connect with Jaenicke personally and ask questions both about Isola and the broader world of filmmaking for female creatives.

As this is the closing night of the festival, the Q&A will seamlessly transition into the official FFFB Winner Announcements. With many of the festival's participating filmmakers in attendance, it will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet and engage with international creators. The ceremony will conclude with the FFFB Official Closing Drinks: adding that crucial "community" layer to the "art" layer of this Curio-City Experience.

Bringing art and community together, this Curio-City Experience provides you with the chance to experience a key cultural moment in Berlin while promoting real-life connections with fellow creatives and community members. At just €10, it encourages cinema to remain accessible while directly supporting the feminist lens in filmmaking.

WHEN: Sunday, October 11 at 7:30 PM

WHERE: Kino Moviemento (Kottbusser Damm 22, 10967 Berlin)

PRICE: €10

SPOTS ARE LIMITED, GET YOUR TICKETS VIA THIS LINK.