The curtain for the 55th International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg has been be drawn in ten cinemas throughout Mannheim and Heidelberg. Ten days of high quality cinema, in a very special atmosphere hosting 60 000 spectators, lie in front of of the audience and the more than 1000 accredited guests. This year’s programme encompasses 42 films selected out of 713 newcomer film entries. Two world premieres, seven international premieres, five European premieres and 24 German premieres will be presented. There are also 14 short films which have been selected out of 785 entries. The festival officially opens on
17 November, 2006 at 8:30 p.m. with the world premiere of Michael Schorr’s new film, Schroeder’s Wonderful World. On November 18, Aleksandr Sokurov will receive the festival’s renowned Master of Cinema Award.

In total, 44 directors in International Competition and International Discoveries will be the festival’s guest.

At the 10th MANNHEIM MEETINGS, this year the project team will arrange over 1000 meetings and additional informal discussions between coproducers, distributors and sales agents. 54 million euros will be negotiated. For the first time, scripts and treatments at a very early stage of financing will be included in the MEETINGS, too.
The award ceremony of the 55th International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg will take place on 25 November 2006 at the Stadthaus in Mannheim.