The program for INDEPENDENT DAYS | 25th Karlsruhe International Film Festival is now available online. From April 15 to 19, 2026, the festival will once again present a curated selection of independent film productions from around the world, offering a comprehensive insight into current trends in international independent cinema. A total of 156 films from 34 countries will be screened over the five days of the festival.

With this year's focus on Spain as the guest country, the festival will highlight the diversity and innovative power of the Spanish film scene with 15 productions. Selected feature-length and short films will allow the audience to engage more deeply with cinematic perspectives from Spain while promoting intercultural exchange.

At the heart of the festival are the various competitions in which outstanding short and feature films as well as medium-length productions compete for coveted awards in a total of 15 categories. In addition to the popular audience competition, prizes are awarded in specific categories, including the Film Prize of the Kulturstiftung der Sparkasse Karlsruhe, the Newbie Award, the Indie Award, the Female Award, and the Best Acting Award of the Vollack Group. The festive award gala on Saturday evening is the highlight of the anniversary festival.

The main venue is once again the traditional SCHAUBURG cinema at Marienstraße 16, which, with its special cinema atmosphere, has been the heart of INDEPENDENT DAYS for years. This is where the various film programs will be shown, accompanied by film discussions with directors and production teams and networking meetings.

Another central component is the XR Area in the Badische Landesbibliothek. There, immersive works from the fields of virtual reality and extended reality will be presented. The XR Area sees itself as a laboratory for new narrative forms and expands the festival program to include interactive and technological perspectives on contemporary storytelling. A free short film program entitled “Shorts for Teens” will run on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Stadtmedienzentrum at the Landesmedienzentrum Baden-Württemberg in Moltkestraße.

The film program is complemented by a diverse supporting program with panels, workshops, lectures, and networking meetings. This is aimed at accredited filmmakers and industry representatives as well as film enthusiasts, creating space for professional exchange and new collaborations.

Tickets are available directly from SCHAUBURG. In addition, festival passes and flexible 5-ticket passes can be purchased, which allow discounted access to several screenings.

The entire program is available online at:

https://www.independentdays-filmfest.com/deutsch/programm/

Graphics and film stills of this year's festival edition are available from here.

Submit an accreditation request by using this link.