Press Release #5/26

From 28 April to 3 May, Linz will once again serve as the stage for the present and future of European cinema: at Crossing Europe, both emerging and established filmmakers will present their latest works on the big screen.

At today’s press conference at the City-Kino in Linz, the entire 2026 program will be presented by festival directors Sabine Gebetsroither and Katharina Riedler, as well as curators of the program sections:

Watch the live stream of the press conference

FAMILY TIES

With 133 feature films, documentaries, and short films from 39 countries, audiences can look forward to a kaleidoscope of European perspectives, including 13 world premieres, 2 international premieres, and 68 Austrian premieres. This year, family stories serve as a central theme running through the film program - incredibly diverse with regard to the issues they address, and tremendously
multifarious in their artistic approaches. Family as the core of interpersonal relationships in challenging times, whose examination, fragmentation, or reinvention allows to reflect on and to analyze the major issues. But it is also beyond the topic of family that European cinema once again proves to be multifaceted, meaningful and socio-politically alert, as well as entertaining.

Around 80 film guests from Austria and abroad will offer fascinating insights into their work during film discussions and talk events.
Ticket sales begin on April 20. 

The elaborate press release, logo, festival motif and press photos are available as usual on our website.