The International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg has a long tradition of introducing film artists of the future and their aesthetic language: offering an inspiring environment for talented new filmmakers, the festival each year showcases yet unknown filmmakers who are all driven by high consciousness, a strong personal vision and serious ambition.

From more than 1.000 submissions the festival picks a selection of roundabout 40 to 50 films by new authors - to be presented as real premieres. Throughout the year, the film scouts and the selection committee search the world to find these few extraordinary talents they consider to be the most interesting and aesthetically extraordinary works. Any film presented in Mannheim-Heidelberg receives focussed attention of about 1.000 international industry professionals, the media, and roundabout 60.000 festival goers alike.