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 / 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: Matthias Keller

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 Bad Homburg vor der Höhe)
- Dr. Susanne Völker (Executive Director of the Frankfurt RheinMain Cultural Fund)
- Live interview with special guests
- Opening film: Marsupilami

10:15 p.m.
- Live Q&A with the filmmakers of the opening film

10:45 p.m.
- After-party

🎞 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. As usual, his ex-wife Tess (Élodie Fontan) gives him a hard time when he’s late bringing their son Léo (Corentin Guillot) back to her 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 can be fed to the hyenas at the zoo, or he can smuggle a mysterious package during a cruise from South America to France. And to maintain a 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 a cute baby Marsupilami! Hunters and protectors of the legendary creature enter the scene, and a crazy adventure full of fun, chaos, and surprises begins…

🎶 LIVE MUSIC
Daniel Minimalia (Grammy winner) & Leonel Fernandez Ortega (saxophone)
> Music Video

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.

🎤 HOST
Matthias Keller
> kellermatt.de

Matthias Keller is a Frankfurt native through and through—a professional voice-over artist, musician, and entertainer with a wealth of experience. Since 1995, he has worked full-time behind the microphone and on stage, including as the station voice for hr1 and the regular voice-over artist for DIE ZEIT. With charm, great timing, and a voice you won’t forget, he’ll guide us confidently and entertainingly through the program of the 15th TAUNALE.

For more information on 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 taunale.de.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Your TAUNALE Team