v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Boundary-pushing short-film program — Oberhausen is where the short format gets serious: expect boldly edited, experimental, and internationally diverse films that you won’t see at mainstream festivals. It’s the place to catch surprising work that stretches storytelling, sound, and form in 1-30 minutes.
- Retrospectives and film-historical programs — the festival pairs new discoveries with curated looks at film history, bringing forgotten or influential short filmmakers back into conversation. Those programs give depth: you leave with context, not just impressions.
- Expanded cinema and installation pieces — screenings aren’t confined to a single projector; video art, multi-screen and installation work spill into gallery spaces, making the festival feel like a roaming exhibition as much as
- Boundary-pushing short-film program — Oberhausen is where the short format gets serious: expect boldly edited, experimental, and internationally diverse films that you won’t see at mainstream festivals. It’s the place to catch surprising work that stretches storytelling, sound, and form in 1-30 minutes.
- Retrospectives and film-historical programs — the festival pairs new discoveries with curated looks at film history, bringing forgotten or influential short filmmakers back into conversation. Those programs give depth: you leave with context, not just impressions.
- Expanded cinema and installation pieces — screenings aren’t confined to a single projector; video art, multi-screen and installation work spill into gallery spaces, making the festival feel like a roaming exhibition as much as a screening series. It’s a good reminder that “film” can be sculptural, spatial, and unexpectedly immersive.
- Close-up filmmaker encounters and discussions — panels, Q&As, and late-night chats make it easy to meet the people behind the shorts and hear the decision-making up close. Those small, candid conversations are where you learn about craft, funding hacks, and the weird joys of short-form storytelling.
- Intimate, engaged festival atmosphere — Oberhausen is compact and unfussy, so the crowd is a curious, attentive mix of cinephiles, artists, and students. Evenings become social time: you’ll trade recommendations, linger after screenings, and come away with a long list of titles to track down.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.