In the organizer's words:

Welcome to Snowdance 2026 - it's great to have you here - filmmakers, guests, partners and everyone who doesn't just consume cinema, but takes it seriously, celebrates it and thinks ahead.

This festival is growing - and this year you can feel it especially: three churches as extraordinary venues, a movie theater, many films, many talks and events that show how lively the scene has become here. And for the first time, our new festival center plays a major role: the creative cathedral Trudi in the Nordstadt - a place that is open, curious, rough enough for new things and warm enough for encounters.

We have also set up our Fleez cinema there: Deckchairs, blankets, cushions - a space to dive in, chill out, watch. Cinema that you can feel, because you can simply let yourself fall into it.

I would like to thank the city of Essen and especially Mayor Thomas Kufen, who has supported this festival from the very beginning. And of course our sponsors, without whose trust and commitment an independent festival in this form would not be possible.

You can find all detailed information, films, background information and dates at any time at www.snowdance.net.

I wish you intense days, courageous films, good encounters - and the moment when you realize that cinema can still surprise you.

Tom Bohn
Festival Director

Price information:

Festival ticket - All films - grants admission to all films of the festival