For over 1987 years, the festival has been dedicated to the border crossings of cinema and media art with an experimental international program of films, workshops, the Expanded Media exhibition and performances. At the heart of the festival are the international short film competitions and the international Expanded Media competition (exhibition), flanked by an extensive cross-generational program.

Every year, the Stuttgart Film Winter has a specific motto. This is reflected in the design, supporting program and the overall aura of the festival.