From 11 to 14 September, the Binnenalster will once again transform into Hamburg’s most beautiful open-air cinema. Four films, four encounters – and one unifying theme: friendship in all its forms. Together with City Management Hamburg and the association Lebendiger Jungfernstieg, FILMFEST HAMBURG invites audiences to enjoy cinematic summer evenings by the water two weeks before the festival itself begins.

 

With views of the gently shimmering Alster, visitors can take their seats on the steps of the Jungfernstieg and experience the magic of cinema under the open sky. Each evening tells stories of special connections between people – and sometimes between beings not of this world.

 

On 11 September, Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbour Totoro will open the festival by the water. In its German dubbed version, this Japanese anime classic follows two sisters who move to the countryside due to their mother’s illness and there encounter a mysterious, gentle creature. Totoro is a friend from another world – full of magic, comfort and quiet strength. A film that reminds us how consoling friendship can be in times of uncertainty.

 

The second evening presents one of the most moving friendships in cinema history: Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (original version with German subtitles). Young Elliott and the stranded being from outer space show that trust knows no boundaries – neither linguistic nor earthly. Their adventure to move heaven and earth in order to send E.T. home is a timeless ode to friendship, courage and solidarity.

 

The third evening takes us from science fiction into reality – showing that friendship sometimes grows where we least expect it. In The Intouchables by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano (original version with German subtitles), Philippe, a wealthy businessman in a wheelchair, meets Driss, a young man from the margins of society. What begins as a pragmatic arrangement develops into a bond full of humour, trust and mutual respect – and into a friendship that transcends boundaries.

 

The festival concludes on 14 September with a fiery, humorous finale: The First Wives Club (original version with German subtitles). Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton, betrayed by their husbands, devise a clever plan of revenge against their unfaithful spouses. What starts as payback becomes a triumphant celebration of unity and female solidarity – and a witty plea for friendship as the strongest alliance of all.

All films start at 8:15 pm. Admission is free, seating is limited – so early arrival is recommended.

 

The Binnenalster Film Festival is organised by City Management Hamburg, Lebendiger Jungfernstieg e.V. and FILMFEST HAMBURG.

 

FILMFEST HAMBURG will take place from 25 September to 4 October 2025. More than 120 productions from around the world will be shown as world, European, German or Hamburg premieres. The festival cinemas are Abaton, CinemaxX Dammtor, Metropolis, Passage and Studio Kino. On 3 October, FILMFEST HAMBURG will celebrate the ‘Free Admission Day’. All festival films showing in the five festival cinemas on this day will be free of charge. The FILMFEST UMS ECK cinemas will also participate in the event with one free film screening each on 3 October 2025. The complete festival programme will be announced on 9 September 2025.