Cologne Conference -- Film and Television Festival
Germany's most important film and television content festival, held annually in October in Cologne, presenting television drama, streaming series, and theatrical features with a focus on the intersection of cinema and television production.
Overview
The Cologne Conference is Germany's most important film and television content festival. Founded in 1990 and held annually in October in Cologne -- Germany's media capital and the home of major public broadcasters including WDR and the headquarters of numerous production companies -- the festival presents television drama, streaming series, and theatrical features with a distinctive focus on the intersection of cinema and television.
Cologne's identity as Germany's television production center gives the festival unusual industry access. The city houses WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk), RTL, Vox, and numerous production companies, making it the natural location for a festival that takes television and streaming content as seriously as theatrical film.
The festival has become increasingly important as the boundaries between theatrical and streaming content have blurred, providing a platform where both forms are celebrated with equal seriousness.
Key Sections
- Television Drama Competition -- German and international television series
- Streaming Series Program -- original streaming content
- Feature Film Program -- theatrical features
- Industry Events -- professional activities for producers and executives
- Panels -- discussions on the future of film and television
What Filmmakers Should Know
The Cologne Conference is primarily industry-oriented. For producers and directors working across theatrical and television forms, the festival provides access to the German television industry's most important professional gathering. For streaming series creators, the festival provides a prestigious European platform.
Major Awards
- Best Television Series -- jury prize
- Best Streaming Series
- Audience Award
Festival History
Cologne Conference was founded in 1990 as Germany's media industry was expanding and has grown alongside the transformation of German television and streaming.
See Also
For film and television crossover, see Distribution Deals Explained. For German media, see International Film Markets.
