Overview 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a compact film year in Amberg: a documentary focus in spring, a concentrated short film evening in summer, as well as regional impulses and newcomer formats in the second half of the year. The final dates will be published by the organizers after program approval. Those who wish to submit or secure tickets should regularly check the official channels from January 2026 onwards.

Documentary Focus at the Ringtheater (Spring 2026)

At the Ringtheater Amberg, a multi-day documentary focus is again planned for spring 2026. Curated program blocks with subsequent discussions in the hall or foyer are planned. Beginner-friendly ticket models and special formats such as morning screenings are intended as audience magnets.

Submission and Visitor Notes

• Submissions: Documentary short and medium-length films are likely to be in demand; details (formats, duration, language/subtitles) will follow with the call for entries.
• Program publication: Expected prior to the festival; sales usually start after program approval.
• Tips for visitors: Popular blocks can sell out quickly. Early booking is recommended as soon as advance sales start.

Short Film Evening "re:frame" at Audimax (Summer 2026)

At the Audimax of Amberg-Weiden University, a focused short film evening is planned again for summer 2026. The program is created from a curated selection of current submissions. Audience voting and jury evaluation are planned as a double award.

Submission and Visitor Notes

• Target group: Young filmmakers with a Bavaria connection (e.g. origin, filming location, or theme); exact criteria will be published with the call.
• Film formats: Short films (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental) with clear technical specifications; technical data will follow in the participation conditions.
• On site: After Q&As, networking in the foyer is planned. Accreditations for teams are in preparation.

Regional Short Film Evenings in the Neighborhood (2nd Half of 2026)

In Sulzbach-Rosenberg and other locations in the region, open short film programs are planned for the second half of 2026. They complement Amberg with additional screens and create more feedback opportunities for teams from Amberg and the surrounding area.

Submission and Visitor Notes

• Participation: A wide range of genres and age groups possible; the specific participation conditions will be published locally.
• Duration: Evenings with several program blocks are common; breaks encourage exchange with crews.
• Arrival: Easily accessible from Amberg by public transport or car; exact times and locations will follow with the program announcement.

Youth Film Festival Upper Palatinate – Amberg Station (Autumn 2026)

For autumn 2026, a regional youth film festival station with a stop in Amberg is planned. The target group is young filmmakers of school and training age. Selected entries can qualify for the Bavarian state festival.

Submission and Visitor Notes

• Submitters: Teenagers and young adults within the specified age limits; exact age corridors and categories will follow with the call.
• Schools & clubs: School projects and first works are welcome; timely clarification of music and image rights is recommended.
• Audience: Family-friendly program blocks and moderated discussions are planned.

Local Short Film Competition "akut" at the Ringtheater (Autumn/Winter 2026)

For late autumn or winter 2026, a local short film competition is planned at the Ringtheater in Amberg. Jury and audience awards are planned; precise duration limits, participation fees, and prize money will be published in the call for entries.

Submission and Visitor Notes

• Submission window: Probably several weeks; early mastering and subtitling speed up the technical review.
• Screening: A compact competition evening with subsequent award ceremony is planned.
• Audience voting: Ballot cards or digital voting will be announced; exact modalities will follow.

Submitting 2026: Step-by-Step

1. Project check: Check genre, duration, country of production, and age requirements of the respective call for entries.
2. Clarify rights: Secure music, archive material, logos, and actor releases in good time; prepare subtitles.
3. Technical specification: Export master file according to requirements (e.g. resolution, codec, color space, sound).
4. Documents: Provide logline, synopsis, crew/cast, year of production, stills, trailer, and press kit.
5. Submission & fees: Complete upload on time; check payment modalities and confirmation email.
6. Communication: Name a reachable contact person; factor in the festivals' response times.

Planning Your Visit: Tips for 2026

• Ticketing: Sales usually start directly after program publication. Book popular blocks early.
• Accessibility: Check seats, access, and toilets in advance on the event website; contact if necessary.
• Arrival: City center locations (Ringtheater, Audimax) are within walking distance or accessible by public transport; note times on the event day.
• Networking: Use Q&As and breaks for conversations with teams; have business cards/links ready.
• Time buffer: Plan short distances between blocks; spontaneous extra conversations are often part of the experience.

Stay Up to Date

The binding dates, participation conditions, and ticket information are published by the organizers themselves. From January 2026, it is worth regularly checking:

• City of Amberg – Culture/Calendar
• Amberg-Weiden University (Events & Audimax program)
• Bavarian Children & Youth Film Festival (State and regional stations)

Sources & Further Links

1. City of Amberg – Official Website — Cultural dates and event information (accessed 2025-12-01)
2. Amberg-Weiden University (OTH-AW) — Event and campus info, Audimax (accessed 2025-12-01)
3. Bavarian Children & Youth Film Festival (BKJFF) — State and regional festivals, participation info (accessed 2025-12-01)