After last year's budget cuts cast doubts on the future of the „German Sundance" it is now certain that there will be an 18th edition of the festival in 2011.

There will be an Oldenburg Film Festival No. 18. After the forced budget cuts by the municipal council in 2010 the festival was financially endangered. Grants by the city of Oldenburg were cut by more than half. In December 2010 the municipal council got together and with the votes of CDU, Green Party and Free Voters Association took back some of the harshest cuts from last year, leaving the festival well short of the original funding, but securing finances enough for a continued operation. The municipal budget for 2011 - still under review by the municipal superintendent - provides 77.000 Euro in funding for the festival.

Torsten Neumann's reaction was positive: "This is a very good sign for us and more than enough reason to continue with the festival in Oldenburg." If nothing else, the very high attendance turnout despite fewer screenings at last year's festival was giving a clear indication that the festival is of vital interest for cinema lovers in Oldenburg and for the film industry as well.

Last year's chosen mascot, the frog, has proven to be a symbol of growth and prosperity as foreseen by jury-president Deborah Kara Unger.

The 18th International Oldenburg Film Festival takes place from September 14th to September 18th 2011.

Films for entry consideration can still be submitted until June 22nd. The early bird deadline, allowing entry at a reduced rate, is April 22nd. The documents for film entries can be found online.

Films can also be submitted through withoutabox.com. American film critic Chris Gore describes the Oldenburg Film Festival as one of the Top 5 most influential festivals worldwide in his esteemed Film Festival Guide. In 2011 the festival will stay true to its commitment to innovative and independent filmmaking.

Torsten Neumann & Dennis Ruh