9 world premieres, 5 international premieres and no less than 22 German premieres make up the core of the festival's programming

On Wednesday September 16th 2009 the Oldenburg International Filmfestival will hold its opening gala with a screening of Sherry Hormann's "Desert Flower", based on the bestselling biography by Waris Dirie. The festival gala at the Staatstheater on Saturday September 19th will feature Bruno Barreto's "Last Stop 174" and on Sunday September 20th the festival will come to a close with the Closing Night screening of Scott McGehee's and David Siegel's "Uncertainty".

Highlights of the International Section:

A fantastic confusion is on display in Adolfo Alix' and Raya Martin's bizarre "Manila" as they delve deep into the shadowy parts of Philippine's capital. Engaging performances by Mira Sorvino, Gabriel Byrne and Armin Mueller-Stahl can be seen in Alexander Buravsky's gripping epic "Leningrad". Benoît Jacquot's challenging drama "Villa Amalia" sees a fragile but daring Isabelle Huppert break from her past and start anew. Canadian Denis Villeneuve takes a look at school violence in his tragic "Polytechnique". The colorful world of the 8ßs comes to live in "Stay Cool" by the Polish brothers, who not only bring witty dialogue and biting sarcasm but also a stunningly lovely Winona Ryder to screen. Delving deep into the undercurrents of the human psyche is Ho Tzr Nyen with "Here" while Jeff Beesley's sweaty "Dolan's Cadillac" makes us witnesses of the showdown between two gangsters. Emotionally touching is the performance by Iris Berben and Katharina Schüttler playing mother and daughter in Susanne Schneider's "Es kommt der Tag".

Highlights of the Independent Section:

Soopum Sohn remembers the Korean tradition of shamanism in his identity thriller "Make yourself at home". Director James DeMonaco assembled an impressive cast of Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio and Seymour Cassel in his gangster story "Staten Island". Judith Krant impresses with her debut film "Made in China" showcasing a range of original and refreshing ideas. A true masterpiece in the film noir tradition is Noah Buschel's "The Missing Person". Powerful and loud are the characters in Buddy Giovinazzo's ensemble film "Life is hot in Cracktown" presenting a panorama of rage and grief. "Son of the Sunshine" is the stunning debut by Canadian Ryan Ward which strikes the viewer like a mesmerizing odyssey.

Highlights of the Midnite Xpress Section:

The outstanding Lovecraft adaptation "Color from the Dark" by Ivan Zuccon is a must not only for fans of classy horror films. Deep from within the horror genre comes Glenn McQuaid's intelligent yet funny "I sell the dead", celebrating a heartfelt dance of the undead. Bruce McDonald kills humanity with a super-virus spread by the English language in his ironic and urgent "Pontypool". Daring and nightmarish is Detlef Bothe's hostage abuse drama "Mein" painting a bleak picture of hell in a caravan.

Highlights Documentary Film:  

On the trails of the author of a strange diary is director Klaas Bense in "Diary of a Times Square thief" bringing back memories of the seedy New York scene during the early eighties. Thomas Lauterbach gives us some food for thought and loud music in his portrait of a rebellious Spanish techno outfit in "Dirty Princess". Critical, relentless and honest is the top-model documentary "Picture Me" featuring Sara Ziff allowing Ole Schell unique access into her iridescent world.

Programme and timetable can be found on the festival's homepage from Monday September 7th under http://www.filmfest-oldenburg.de/. If you need material about the films or have other questions regarding interviews don't hesitate to contact us. 

Internationales Filmfest Oldenburg 16.-20. September 2009