60 Years of Hof International Film Festival: Three Exhibitions Celebrate the Anniversary in Hof

To mark the 60th anniversary of the International Hof Film Festival, Hof is not only showcasing cinema but also bringing film and cultural history to life. Three exhibitions at different locations across the city explore the special connection between film, design, photography and memory. From historic film posters and six decades of festival history to the theatre photography of Ruth Walz, the exhibitions demonstrate just how diverse the world surrounding the silver screen can be.

The anniversary celebrations begin with the exhibition “60 Years of Home of Films” at the Freiheitshalle Hof. At its heart are the popular posters of the Hof Film Festival, eagerly awaited each year.

Over more than six decades, the posters have not only promoted the festival but have also created a visual archive of Hof’s film history. For film enthusiasts, they offer an opportunity to rediscover personal favourite designs and relive memories of special festival moments. Visitors interested in design can also trace developments in graphic design, visual concepts and recurring themes over the decades.

The exhibition will open on 18 September 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Freiheitshalle and will be on display from 21 September to 30 October 2026, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as by prior arrangement. Admission is free.

“Theatre in the Viewfinder” – Ruth Walz

The exhibition “Theatre in the Viewfinder – Photographer Ruth Walz” at the lower foyer of Theater Hof offers a different perspective on the world of the performing arts.

For five decades, photographer Ruth Walz has documented events on and behind the stages of European theatres. Her photographs do more than capture productions: they tell stories of actors, directors, stage spaces and the special moments in which theatre comes to life.

The exhibition was conceived by director Thomas Ladenburger, whose documentary about Ruth Walz will celebrate its world premiere at the 60th International Hof Film Festival. At the exhibition opening on Friday, 18 September 2026, Ladenburger will personally introduce visitors to the photographer’s world and her work.

The exhibition will be on display from 18 September to 29 October 2026 and will be accessible on performance days from one hour before the start of each performance. Admission is free.

“Film Art on Paper” – Cult Posters from the Hof Film Festival

At the Klostergalerie of Diakonie Hochfranken, a piece of film history will take shape on paper to mark the anniversary. The exhibition “Film Art on Paper – Cult Posters from the Hof Film Festival” presents an exceptional selection of original film posters from the archive of Freunde der Hofer Filmtage e.V.

From major classics such as Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders and Miller’s Crossing by the Coen brothers to cinematic discoveries that are barely known today, the exhibition brings together significant film titles and outstanding poster art. It therefore shows not only which films have been screened in Hof, but also how film can develop a visual life of its own on paper.

The exhibition will open on 22 September 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Klostergalerie of Diakonie Hochfranken, Klostertor 2, Hof. Admission is also free.