Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 6, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
It is that time again: from July 16 to 18, Shorts at Moonlight opens this year’s short film festival on the castle terrace at the old Höchst Castle.
Entertaining open-air cinema on mild summer nights: the Shorts at Moonlight short film festival offers a programme of the best short films—sometimes funny, sometimes exciting and sometimes moving, but always entertaining and varied—at the most beautiful open-air venues in the Rhine-Main region, in castles and parks.
Directors and producers expected as guests
Numerous directors and producers from all over Germany are expected in Höchst, including those behind the films “Das heimliche Geräusch” (Michael Watzke and Michael Orth), “Familienurlaub” (Heike Krietmeyer), “Ameisen” (Alexander Costea), “Über Wasser gehen” (Rolf Beyerle), “Arbeit für alle” (Matthias Vogel and Thomas Oberlies) and “Fliegen” (Piotr Lewandowski).
HR presenter Alice Engel will interview the guests on stage.
Prominent actors and award-winning directors in the programme
This time, the programme consists of more than 120 short films and features prominent actors, multiple award-winning directors and impressive international films. They include films such as “Spielzeugland” (2009 Oscar winner) and “Our Wonderful Nature” (nominated for an Oscar), a 3D animation that takes a humorous look at the love life of the water shrew. Prominent actors such as Dirk Bach (in Il Giardino), Nina Petri (Absolution), Ulrike Folkerts (Sores and Sirin) and others have appeared in short films in the Shorts at Moonlight programme. They often use the opportunity to show a different side of themselves. Barbara Rudnik, who recently and sadly died far too young, did so as well. In the film 8cht, she can be seen as a telephone counsellor with her own interpretation of the task.
As every year, the evening’s selection of films has been chosen so that audiences can go home in a good mood.
Dedicated children’s programme
A children’s short film programme will be shown in Höchst and Hofheim. High-quality films made especially for children will be screened on July 17 and 18 from 3 p.m. in a film tent in the castle courtyard. It is aimed at schoolchildren, although younger siblings may also be brought along. On both afternoons, children can also produce their own short films using very simple means and take them home on DVD. To coordinate this activity better, advance registration is requested at the Bärsch bookshop in Höchst, telephone 069/ 31 40 32 0, or online at http://www.shortsatmoonlight,de.
New:
Internationally networked
Partner Ireland
To mark Höchst’s partnership with Tralee, Ireland, at the castle festival, Shorts at Moonlight in Höchst includes an Irish short film in the programme every evening.
Partner India
The short film genre is international. Shorts at Moonlight has therefore begun a partnership with the world’s largest film nation, India. It remains largely unknown that India produces far more films, has more viewers and is also economically stronger than Hollywood. This led to the nickname Bollywood. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at what is actually being produced there. Shorts at Moonlight will also show one film per evening from India. The guest is Mr Manoj Srivastava, director of India’s largest international film festival.
When selecting the international films, care was taken to ensure that they contain little dialogue or are easy to understand.
This cultural treat in the Rhine-Main region is thanks to the private initiative of Gudrun Winter, who comes from the region and launched the festival six years ago. Through short films she made herself, the artist had already become acquainted with the international short film scene from Moscow to Los Angeles. Having started as a small event in Hofheim, Shorts at Moonlight has established itself as a cultural event in the region and attracted a total of 5,000 spectators last year.
Support from many sides
The festival now receives support from politics and business, which understand and promote the Rhine-Main region not only as a business location but also as a cultural landscape with high leisure value. This is reflected in the strong commitment of the host cities and municipalities and the Main-Taunus district. Frankfurt RhineMain regional economic development, the Mainz media network and Frankfurt economic development contributed their diverse contacts and suggestions. The principal sponsors include industrial park operator Infraserv Höchst, Nassauische Sparkasse, energy group Mainova and car manufacturer Skoda. Industrial services provider Aquar has joined as a new sponsor this year.
Following the opening on the castle terrace in Höchst, the changing film programme moves on to the Alter Kurpark in Bad Soden (July 22–25) and then to the old moated castle in Hofheim (July 29–August 2). The closing events with the awards ceremony take place in Mainz on August 14 and 15.
The performances usually begin at 8 p.m. with live music. This provides an opportunity to settle into the event’s beautiful surroundings with drinks and snacks and secure the best seats. The film programme begins at nightfall.
Comfort is provided. Seating is available at the events. Blankets and rain capes are provided free of charge, and a film tent is also available as an alternative in bad weather.
Tickets are available for €6 (€3 for the children’s performance) from
Bärsch bookshop in Höchst
Gaab bookshop in Bad Soden
Tolksdorf bookshop in Hofheim
or via http://www.shortsatmoonlight.de
