Contemporary films exploring the realities of life in the Global South are part of the diverse program presented by the Global Perspectives Film Festival every two years. Post-screening discussions with filmmakers and experts offer a unique forum for both the public and professionals from the film and education sectors.
In addition to our film program, the accompanying program IN FOCUS offers networking events, workshop discussions, and a masterclass with the renowned director Robert Krieg. The panel “Media, Power, and Resistance“ will feature a discussion on images from Iran, ans a new film database provides access to interviews with African contemporary witnesses from the German colonial era.
Since 2001, a jury has honored works that compellingly depict everyday realities in the Global South and open up new perspectives for audiences. The Global Perspectives Film Award 2026 recognizes the directorial work of outstanding current documentary films and TV documentaries. Additionally, a BJF Youth Film Jury presents an award for the special commitment of distribution companies in bringing films from and about the Global South to cinemas. You can find all the nominated films here,
The jury of the Film Award Global Perspectives consists of filmmakers and experts. The young people of the BJF Youth Film Jury also introduce themselves here.
A professional jury selects a curated range of submitted films for cultural and political education. The spectrum includes feature and documentary films of all lengths, as well as TV documentaries and reports.
The online catalog documents submitted films with keywords for countries and topics – including an archive of all moving-image formats submitted since 1999. This allows users to search specifically for films for cultural and political education on themes related to the Global South. The catalog includes feature and documentary films, web formats, as well as TV documentaries and reports of all lengths. Using the provided contact information, educational institutions and cinemas in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland can directly reach out to rights holders to request films for (non-)commercial screenings.
The open conference has been offering a screening program for educators, filmmakers, and interested audiences in Frankfurt, Germany, since 2003. However, since 1972 we have been showcasing, discussing, and recommending a wide range of film formats that highlight current developments and diverse perspectives on the Global South. Topics include the political and social impacts of globalization, causes of displacement and migration, human rights and gender justice, as well as decolonization and the effects of climate change.
The Working Group GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN FILM brings together filmmakers, practitioners, and organizations from the cultural film and education sectors. Together, the working group advocates for a decolonization of perspectives on the Global South – both in film production and distribution.
Our newsletter regularly informs you about updates to our program and cooperative events throughout the year.