Editor

The complete schedule for the 14th Oldenburg Filmfestival has been announced. 13 world premieres, 12 international premieres and 14 German premieres are among the highlights of this exciting edition of Germany's premiere independent festival. Maggie Peren's battle of the sexes' comedy "Stellungswechsel" opens the festival on September 12th at the Oldenburgisches Staatstheater.

The International Section offers a wide range of different styles and stories. Frank Cappello's subtle satire "He Was a Quiet Man" starring Christian Slater in one of the many international premieres. Kevin Costner surprises as a serial killer in "Mr. Brooks", while Sarah Polley's emotional love story "Away From Her -- An ihrer Seite" is a stunning debut film. Sophie Marceau pays homage to mystery thriller and cop film classics with "La Disparue de Deauville". The Filmfestival's Night at the Theatre sees Volker Schlöndorff presenting his latest film "Ulzhan". An epic story full of dignity awaits the audience at the international premiere of "The Astronaut Farmer" by Michael Polish starring Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen. Stephan Geene's "After Effect" starring Sabine Timoteo is an intimate study of the New Berlin.
Two further highlights from this section are the world premiere of "Postal" the latest offering by enfant terrible Uwe Boll and "88 Minutes" a fast paced Al Pacino thriller.

The heart of the festival remains the Independent Section. The international premiere of Mary Stuart Masterson's "The Cake Eaters" is a sensitive family film starring Bruce Dern. Douglas Buck's "Sisters" with Chloe Sevigny and Stephen Rea is an original remake of the Brian de Palma classic of the same name. "Outlanders" by Dominic Lee casts a critical look at a migration story in London, while Slamdance winner "Tijuana Makes Me Happy" continues the line of political films. Another award winning film having its international premiere in Oldenburg is Mickey Blaine's "commit". Other films in this section are "Heile Welt" by Jakob M. Erwa, "Autistic Disco" by Hans Steinbichler, "Die Unerzogenen" by Pia Marais, "Underdogs" by Jan Hinrik Drevs and "Für den unbekannten Hund" by Ben and Dominik Reding.

The Documentary Section deals with political and obscure issues. "Sharkwater" by Robert Stewart is the true story about one man's fight with the fishing industry. Steffen Jürgens follows the ex-manager of porn star Lollo Ferrari in "Der Generalmanager". "Ellen ten Damme" by Rob Hodselmans is shown as an international premiere and "Get Thrashed -- The Story of Thrashed Metal" offers a glimpse at the angrier side of pop culture.

Midnite Express is as always reserved for very special films. "La belle bête" by Karim Hussain is a disturbing family film. "Vampire Diary" reaches Oldenburg on a wave of critical acclaim, while "Ex-Drummer" enjoys being a politically incorrect music film. The eco thriller "The Last Winter" is radical in its defeatism while the underground classic "A Gun For Jennifer" returns to Oldenburg for the second time after 10 years.

This year's tribute goes to actor Stacy Keach, who was one of the mainstays of the New Hollywood directors. He received worldwide fame as private eye Mike Hammer. Keach will be in Oldenburg from September 12th to 17th and heads the international jury. The retrospective goes to Abel Ferrara who will attend the festival from 14th to 17th.

The cooperation with Oldenburg JVA (community prison) is furthered. The JVA becomes a regular venue for screenings this year. Five films are shown in front of inmates and regular festival goers. Last year a special screening was held at the JVA which received a very positive resonance. So from this year onward the festival has a new location which also serves as a little contribution towards rehabilitating the prison's inmates.