Record Attendance and Increased Engagement at the 2025 Festival

The Crossing Europe Film Festival in Linz concluded its 22nd edition, maintaining its strong appeal to cinephiles. Despite offering a slightly reduced number of screenings (146 compared to the previous year’s 160), the festival drew an impressive 14,500 attendees, matching last year’s figures. This indicates a higher rate of cinema utilization, showcasing the audience’s keen interest in the curated selection of independent films.

the festival, which ran from April 29th to May 4th, presented a diverse program featuring 142 feature films, documentaries, and shorts from 42 countries. Approximately 100 filmmakers and industry professionals from both domestic and international backgrounds were in attendance,fostering a vibrant atmosphere of cinematic exchange.

Award-Winning Films and Emerging Talent

The festival recognized outstanding achievements in various categories, highlighting both established and emerging talents. The top prize for Best Feature Film was awarded to Bogdan Mureșanu for Anul Nou Care Na fost (The New Year That Never Came), a poignant drama set against the backdrop of the 1989 Romanian Revolution.

Alessandra celesia’s the Flats, a compelling documentary exploring the aftermath of the Irish Civil war, received the award for Best Documentary. The Audience Award went to Holy Rosita by Wannes NortoP, a film that tackles the sensitive topic of unconventional pregnancy.Each of these prestigious awards came with a €5,000 prize.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent, the Yaaas! Youth Competition awarded €3,000 to Paola Randi for La Storia del frank e della nina (The Story of Frank and Nina). Axel Stasny from Wels received the Local Artist Award, also worth €5,000, for his film A Life in Color.

Marie Luise Lehner’s If you are afraid you take your heart in your mouth and smile was recognized as the best domestic young film. Remo Rauscher received the Innovation Award – Local Artist for Lina. In the music video category, World’s End – Mavi Phoenix by Dominik Galleya and Amanda Burzić, and Kada Je Zazvonio Telephone by Iva Radivojević, were jointly awarded the Miob New Vision Award 2025.

Expanding Horizons: Focus on Youth and Future Growth

This year, the festival strategically expanded its programming to include a dedicated children’s program, complementing the already accomplished Yaaas! Youth section. This initiative reflects a commitment to cultivating a new generation of cinema enthusiasts and ensuring the long-term vitality of the festival.

financial Sustainability: A Key to Continued Success

The organizers expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support from long-term partners, event sponsors, and the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences. A new sponsorship also contributed to the success of the 22nd edition. However, they emphasized the increasing organizational effort and costs associated with maintaining the festival’s high standards. Continuous increases in funding are crucial to ensure the festival’s continued operation at its current level of quality and impact.

Extending the Reach: Post-Festival Screenings Across Austria

While the festival in Linz has concluded, the spirit of Crossing Europe will continue to resonate throughout Austria in the coming weeks and months.Selected films will be screened at various venues, including Slash 1/2 at FilmCasino Vienna starting May 8th, the Dornbirn playing floor, and the International Film Festival Innsbruck. Furthermore, a curated selection of films will be available for streaming via Kino Vod Club and Film Friend, extending the festival’s reach to a wider audience.