Starting in 2026, FilmFestival Cottbus (FFC) and the International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience SCHLiNGEL will launch a new partnership. The aim of this collaboration is to further strengthen children's cinema at FFC and create memorable film experiences for young audiences.
As part of the KIDS IM KINO section, FFC will present selected films in cooperation with SCHLiNGEL Film Festival. Both festivals share the conviction that cinema for children can be much more than entertainment: it can open new perspectives, spark curiosity, and create meaningful shared experiences.
Since its foundation in 1996, SCHLiNGEL has become one of Germany’s leading platforms for films for children and young audiences. Each year, the festival in Chemnitz presents around 200 productions from across the globe and brings filmmakers and young viewers together.
For many years, FilmFestival Cottbus has also been committed to young audiences through its KIDS IM KINO programme for children and families. The new partnership will strengthen the exchange between the two festivals and further increase the visibility of high-quality international children's films in the Lusatia region.
The 31st International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience SCHLiNGEL will take place in Chemnitz from 2–10 October 2026, while the 36th FilmFestival Cottbus will be held from 3–8 November 2026.