#of Next

Films are like lived adventures – stories that touch, surprise and sometimes shake us up.

Cinema opens doors to new worlds, invites us to marvel and gives us the chance to laugh, feel and think together. A place is being created here where we can share memories, discover new perspectives and reflect on our own lives.

Cinema at #oF NEXT is more than just entertainment – it is encounter, exchange and inspiration. It shows young people how important it is to look closely, listen and take responsibility.

Background

The overall program of the International Hofer Filmtage has an age rating of 18 and over due to youth protection regulations. However, in order for viewers under 18 to watch films at the festival, special approvals are required. Many productions, however, do not have a German FSK (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry) rating.

In Bavaria, this task is carried out by the Bavarian Media Evaluation Committee (BMGA). This independent body grants provisional festival approvals, thereby enabling the presentation of films in compliance with youth protection laws.

A selection of our program has been classified by the BMGA with a festival rating and approved for screening within our #oF NEXT section by the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs – the Highest State Youth Authority.

Why is this important?

The provisional age ratings allow films to be screened without a regular FSK examination and at the same time ensure the legal protection of minors – so young people can also take part in the Hof International Film Festival.

Content & Format

#oF NEXT shows cinema that goes straight to the heart – from Germany and from all over the world. The focus here is on personal stories that arouse curiosity, invite empathy and show how democracy works in everyday life. The films tell of courage, friendship, cohesion and the small and big moments in the lives of young people. They open doors to different worlds and encourage reflection, discussion and exchange.

In addition to these screenings, #oF NEXT also has special screenings for schools, youth organisations and groups. After the films, questions can be asked in moderated discussion rounds and your own ideas can be introduced. This creates a real dialogue that is pedagogically accompanied and leaves plenty of room for new thoughts.

Thanks...

...to all those who make this programme possible – especially to the BMGA, the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs – Supreme State Youth Authority – as well as to the funding initiative of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth as part of the federal programme "Live Democracy!".