From 5 to 15 March, Luxembourg will once again be in the spotlight of the film world. The programme for the 16th edition of the Luxembourg City Film Festival was unveiled at a press conference at Kinepolis Kirchberg on Thursday morning.
Before delving into this year’s selection, festival President Georges Santer reflected on the event’s development over the past two decades. He paid tribute to the late Colette Flesch, the long-standing president, without whom, he said, the festival would not be what it is today.
Santer also noted that these times – marked by inflation and uncertainty – make it all the more important for a film festival to strengthen its exchange with the general public. Culture Minister Eric Thill echoed that sentiment, stressing the need to promote values such as diversity, inclusion, and equality through cinema during turbulent periods.
In line with this year’s motto, “Cinema for everyone”, the festival has curated a particularly broad programme.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is the presence of British musician Peter Doherty, best known for his work with The Libertines and Babyshambles. He will serve on the international jury alongside Lisandra Alonso, Alma Pöysti, and Rae Lyn Lee.
As in previous years, the festival will feature films across a wide range of categories. One notable entry in the official competition is the German film Rose, directed by Markus Schleinzer, which is also screening at this year’s Berlinale.
The festival will close on 15 March with Rosebush Pruning, directed by Karim Aïnouz and starring Elle Fanning, among others.
This year’s line-up also includes several high-profile names on the silver screen. Audiences can look forward to Angelina Jolie in Coutures, Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love, Olivia Colman in Jimpa, Willem Dafoe in Late Fame, and Amanda Seyfried in Anne Lee. Another standout is the Iranian documentary Cutting Through Rocks, which has received an Oscar nomination this year.
The festival’s established sections will also return, including Made in/with Luxembourg, Young Audience, and Late Night Bizarre by Kinepolis – ensuring a diverse programme that offers something for all tastes.
The complete festival programme will be published online in the coming days. Further information on tickets, screenings, and side events is available at luxfilmfest.lu.
Throughout the festival, visitors can also explore the exhibition ‘Here Comes the Sun’ at the Ratskeller of the Cercle Cité, as well as the Immersive Pavilion at Neimënster Abbey, Mudam, and Villa Louvigny.
