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First Impressions
by Birgit Schroeder

Coming from an American film city, the Kurzfilm (Short Film) Festival Hamburg was my first film festival to attend in the Hanseatic City and I was thrilled. 

The spacious Festival Zentrum (center) as well as the festival’s opening ceremony that I was able to be part of, took place in the post office on Kaltenkirchener Platz in Altona. The atmosphere was fantastic. People came from all over the world, and the organizers spoke fluent German and English, which made everyone feel welcome.

Pop-up cinemas—indoors and outdoors, a large exhibition hall furnished like a cozy colorful living room with two big screens, and a small stage where the organizers gave their welcome speech, as well as a festival cafe, bar and music provided for an exuberant and cozy atmosphere for people to get to know each other and have fun.

The Scenography of Space light show that was part of the festival was really something special. "More light," said Goethe on his deathbed. Light is comprehensive and affects all areas of human life.

If I were to change one small thing, then I would suggest setting up a small cafe/bar in the outside area, as well as small pop-up snack bars at different points around the festival center. The food, as well as drink lines were often very long.

Otherwise, I will definitely be part of Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg again next year!