FILMFEST MÜNCHEN is taking part in the campaign “Kurz mal Demokratie wählen” (Vote for Democracy), which was launched by the AG Filmfestival. As the nationwide association of film festivals in Germany, this working group is committed to a pluralistic and open society and speaks out against all forms of discrimination. Diversity should be taken into account in all areas of film festivals.

In the course of this understanding, the campaign was created in response to the current political situation in Germany. Democracy is under pressure: right-wing populists have already entered the parliaments. They are threatening achievements such as freedom of expression, diversity and the promotion of a self-determined and independent cultural landscape. They are crossing the boundaries of what is allowed to be said and done on a daily basis - their dangerous ideas are being spread quickly and purposefully on social media.

On the occasion of the upcoming state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, German film festivals are now setting an example with the social media campaign “Kurz mal Demokratie wählen” (Vote for democracy). The joint campaign aims to encourage the public to use their votes in September and stand up for fundamental democratic values. Festival directors, industry representatives and well-known personalities are calling on people to “Vote for democracy” in short videos. The film festivals and their representatives distribute these video clips via their social media channels. Through the networking of the individual festivals and the reach of their supporters, an avalanche for our democracy is to be set in motion on social media channels.

Film festivals have always seen themselves as a platform for open dialog and discourse. They promote a pluralistic and open society and speak out against all forms of discrimination. All people share responsibility for this. The campaign aims to draw attention to this.

In times when democracies have become so vulnerable again, it is important to stand up for solidarity and cohesion. With the appeal “Kurz mal Demokratie wählen” (Vote for Democracy), film festivals in Germany want to draw attention to their social contribution to the preservation of democracy and its values. This campaign is initiated and supported by the AG Filmfestival - Association of Film Festivals in Germany.

If you are interested in current films on this topic, we recommend the films from the 2024 festival program, which deal with “Democracy under pressure”.