ERÖFFNUNGSGALA - Kurhaus, Bad Homburg | 15. Taunus Filmfest

A GLAMOROUS START TO THE FESTIVAL!

The opening gala of the 15th Taunus Film Festival will once again mark the glamorous start of our festival this year—and in 2026, it will be all about “CASINO ROYALE.”

🥂 OPENING GALA: taunale.de/gala
🎟️ TICKETS: taunale.de/tickets

🎞 OPENING FILM “Marsupilami” | Exclusive German Premiere 🇩🇪: Official Trailer (DE)

Red Carpet / Champagne Reception / German Premiere of the French Opening Film “MARSUPILAMI” / VIP Guests from the Industry / Press & Media / Live Music / After Party

In the stylish setting of the KURHAUS (Bad Homburg), we invite you to an evening full of elegance, excitement, and cinematic atmosphere. Look forward to a festive champagne reception accompanied by live music, as well as a varied program that will celebrate the start of the film festival in style. In keeping with the theme, the dress code is: evening wear / Dress to Impress. Whether classically elegant or with a touch of glamour—show off your most stylish side and immerse yourself in the world of Casino Royale. Place your bets: With the kind support of SPIELBANK BAD HOMBURG, an authentic casino experience awaits you, complete with blackjack and roulette tables.

Experience an unforgettable evening that combines film culture, socializing, and special moments—and kicks off the Taunus Film Festival together with you.

ℹ️ PROGRAM

6:30 p.m.
- Doors open
- Champagne reception
- Live music

8:00 p.m.
- Official opening of the festival
- Welcome remarks by the festival directors: Eva Debrodt & Alexander Mereien
- Host: Manuel Francescon

Remarks:
- Christoph Degen (State Secretary for Science & Research, Art & Culture; Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Frankfurt RheinMain Cultural Fund)
- Antje Runge (Mayor of the City of Oberursel (Taunus))
- Alexander Hetjes (Mayor of the City of Bad Homburg vor der Höhe)
- Dr. Susanne Völker (Executive Director of the Frankfurt RheinMain Cultural Fund)

- Jury Interview: Helga Reichert, Iris Baumüller, and Jerry Digby

- Opening Film “MARSUPILAMI” (DFmeU) – Exclusive German Premiere

10:15 p.m.
- Live film discussion

10:45 p.m.
- After-party: DJ Blouke

🎞 OPENING FILM "Marsupilami" - Exclusive German Premiere! 🇩🇪
[Comedy, France, 2026 / Director: Philippe Lacheau]
> Official Trailer (DE)

Things aren’t going so well for David (Philippe Lacheau), who works at a zoo. His ex-wife Tess (Élodie Fontan) is, as usual, giving him a hard time when he brings their son Léo (Corentin Guillot) back late yet again. But Léo has only one wish: a family vacation with Mom and Dad—on one condition—they can’t fight. Shortly afterward, David’s shady boss (Jean Reno) gives him an ultimatum: Either he becomes hyena fodder at the zoo, or he smuggles a mysterious package on a cruise from South America to France. And to maintain the cover, the whole family gets to come along. This surprise vacation is anything but ordinary, because the package is highly sought after. When a small, spotted creature with huge eyes and an extra-long tail suddenly pops out of the package, it’s clear why: it’s an adorable Marsupilami baby! Hunters and protectors of the legendary creature enter the scene, and a crazy adventure full of fun, excitement, and surprises begins…

🎶 LIVE MUSIC
Daniel Minimalia (pianist/composer) & Leonel Fernandez Ortega (saxophonist)

Daniel Minimalia is a Spanish guitarist and composer who won the Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Album with his latest album, “Terra.” He also received two Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the World Music category in 2015 and 2021. He has performed in various countries, including the U.S., Switzerland, Spain, France, and Hungary. His music blends different genres such as folk, classical, rock, and flamenco. His distinctive style has led music critics to compare him to artists like Mike Oldfield and Gustavo Santaolalla.

Leonel Fernandez Ortega is a musician and music educator originally from Cuba who now lives and works in the Rhine-Main/Taunus region. In Frankfurt, he works as an early childhood music educator, clarinet teacher, and percussion teacher. He studied classical clarinet at the Guillermo Tomás Conservatory in Cuba and served his military service there as a musician in the Ejercito Occidental, including in Fidel Castro’s ceremonial orchestra. In addition, he studied saxophone at a music conservatory for professional musicians in Havana and served as an orchestral musician in the City of Havana’s classical music orchestra. Through his own Music Academy Ortega, he teaches instruments such as guitar, piano, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, flute, violin, voice, and percussion in the genres of classical, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin American music—and has also mentored children who have successfully competed in the national “Jugend musiziert” competition.

🎤 HOST
Manuel Francescon
> manuelfrancescon.de

Manuel Francescon is an experienced host, voice-over artist, and director from Offenbach am Main. With plenty of humor, stage presence, and a knack for connecting with the audience, he confidently hosts events of all kinds—including festivals. Thanks to his experience as a comedian and improv actor, he brings a lighthearted touch, professionalism, and a pleasant energy to the stage. With charm, wit, and a knack for seizing the moment, he’ll host the opening gala and ensure that the festival’s kickoff is not only stylish but also entertaining.

For more information about the rest of our TAUNALE program, workshops, and other events, visit taunale.de/programm and check out our social media channels, our newsletter, and our website at taunale.de.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Your TAUNALE Team