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5th RETURN International Film & Art Festival

Film discussions, workshops and more under the motto ‘Civilisation: Did you read the terms and conditions?’

LSMN

Veröffentlicht am 30.09.2025

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The RETURN IAF 2025 poster: numbers and letters are arranged in a purple gradient, some of which are highlighted to form the time, place and motto, with the logo in white on black on the left.

Das diesjährige Motto des Festivals lautet: „Zivilisation: Hast du die Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen gelesen?“

RETURN IAF, 2025

The Return International Film & Art Festival will celebrate its fifth edition from 23 to 25 October 2025 at the Kulturzentrum and Kino mon ami in Weimar.

The focus will be on films and visual art that reflect on social, digital and cultural issues under this year's motto ‘Civilisation: Did you read the terms & conditions?’.

What to expect

From around 600 submissions from over 60 countries, 26 films have been selected to be presented over three days in the categories of animation, fiction and documentary. The film programme will be complemented by film discussions with filmmakers in attendance, offering the audience space for exchange and discussion.

Workshops

Even before the festival begins, the workshop programme from 15 to 24 October invites filmmakers, artists and creative professionals to participate in practical formats. The workshops offer insights into media art, film production, creative strategies and community building. Partners such as Nivre Film Studio, Bauhaus University, Bigchild Animation Company, THAK and MENT e. V. are involved in organising the diverse programme. You can register via the RETURN IAF website.

Overview: The Workshops

20.10.2025 - 22.10.2025

Nivre Workshop: The Power of the Media: Raising Awareness of Manipulation

Nivre Film & Studio

The end result is ashort film, which is part of theClosing event of the Return Festival on 25 October 2025 at the mon ami cultural centre in Weimaris presented.

Participation Workshop: Experience film production

In the Film production workshop At NIVRE Film & Studio, participants learn about the entire film production process:

  • Idea generation & topic development: Starting from the focus Democracy and cohesion The participants develop a film concept together. Which stories are important to make these values ​​visible?
     
  • Screenplay & Storyboard: From the idea a common thread emerges – the participants write dialogues, plan scenes and consider how messages can be translated into film.
     
  • Production Using professional camera and sound technology, participants put their ideas into practice. They take on various roles (director, camera, acting, sound, lighting).
     
  • Postproduction: In editing and post-production, you will learn how images, sound and effects are combined to create a coherent film.
     

Learning goal connection

  • The participants learn about media mechanisms by applying them creatively themselves.
     
  • She reflect on democratic values by addressing conflicts and solutions in their film.
     
  • At the end there is a Short film as a strong statement for media literacy, critical thinking and cohesion.​​

This Workshop is limited to 6 people, secure your place now with a short motivational message!

15.10.2025 - 16.10.2025

Workshop: Film Analysis

Bauhaus Haus D Kinoraum 112

From Concept to Audience, and Beyond

Film Analysis – The Film and Its Stylistic Devices, or: Why Do I Have to Cry?

A Workshop with Christian Koch

Have you ever wondered why a specific film scene moves you to tears, gives you goosebumps, or simply stays on your mind? The answer rarely lies solely in the plot, but in the artistic composition of all cinematic elements.

In this two-day workshop led by Christian Koch, we will dive deep into the craft of filmmaking. We will decipher how directors use the targeted application of imagery, sound, editing, and acting to deliberately evoke emotions, amplify themes, and draw us into their narrative worlds.

Schedule:

Day 1 (October 15, 2025, 3:00-7:00 PM): The Tools of Emotion
Together, we will analyze famous and memorable film scenes from different eras and countries. We will examine:
Which themes and ideologies are being conveyed.
Which stylistic devices (camera, lighting, montage, sound) are used.
How these devices work together to create a specific effect on the audience.

Day 2 (October 16, 2025, 3:00-7:00 PM): Your Own Analysis
On the second day, it's your turn! Each participant will independently analyze a freely chosen film scene. Afterwards, the results will be presented and discussed within the group. This practical session will deepen your understanding and promote a collaborative exchange.

Details:
Dates: Wednesday, October 15 & Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM each day
Location: Kinoraum Steubenstraße, Bauhaus University Weimar
Number of Participants: max. 6 people (to ensure intensive support and a productive atmosphere)
Duration: 2 days (8 hours total)

​Target Audience:
This workshop is aimed at all film enthusiasts, students, cineastes, and the curious who want to understand how the magic of cinema truly works. No prior knowledge is required.

Sign up now and discover the secrets behind the emotional power of cinema

24.10.2025 um 10:00 Uhr bis 14:00 Uhr

Speculatively Shaping the Future of Media

Museum Neues Weimar

16.10.2025 - 22.10.2025

THE POSTER – Art, activism and democratic expression

Bauhaus-University Weimar RETURN -Workshop with Rahh Fleur

Posters have been used to give marginalised causes a voice for over 500 years now. As a tool to mobilise movements, inspire, and simplify complex political ideals into public discourse. 

In this workshop, we aim to help participants not only get a better understanding of the history and purpose of posters, but also let them explore their own voice. In the first half of the workshop, we look at historical case studies (anti-war movements, suffragettes, etc.) as our basis of exploring how design can have an impact on conflict de-escalation, as it brings opposing viewpoints into a more understandable light, and how it can escalate change by demanding attention to what matters. Democracy succeeds on engaged citizens, and our workshop would encourage participants to express their values visually: Be it on environmental action, social justice, or unity across all divides.

Target Audience: Beginner and Intermediate artists and/or graphic designers. 

8 Maximum participants

Day 1 (16th of October): Historical studies and Introduction to posters
Objective: Look at real life examples of Socially engaged Posters
Introduction to Posters (History, Iconic Artists, Different Styles)
Composition & Visual Hierarchy
Color Theory & Mood (Specific Palettes)

Day 2 (17th of October): Foundations and Ideation
Objective: Understand poster design principles and develop a strong concept.
Ideation & Thumbnailing
Technique Deep Dives
Typography
Collage/Digital
Poster Creation

Day 3 (October 22): Industry Skills, Execution & Feedback
Objective: Present a polished draft with peer/instructor feedback.
Working with Clients / Production Pipeline
Self-promotion
Refinement Techniques
Final Feedback and Presentation

20.10.2025 - 22.10.2025

3D Animation Production (with Jessica Hüttig, Bigchild Entertainment GmbH)

Bauhaus- University Weimar

Goal: Each participant should have completed a presentable 3D character model by the end of the course.


Target Audience: Beginners, basic Blender knowledge is an advantage.

Ideally, each participant should bring a character design they would like to create. Otherwise, I will provide some examples.

 

Day 1: Basics and Character Construction

  • Welcome and introduction to the workshop/participants
  • Introduction to 3D modeling software
  • Working with basic shapes: Using simple geometric shapes to create the basic structure of the character
  • First steps in character construction: Modeling the torso, head, and limbs, with a focus on simple, stylized proportions
  • Using reference images: Applying templates to shape the character's proportions

 

Day 2: Refinement and Details

  • Refining the character’s shape
  • Modeling the face and details
  • Creating clothing and accessories

 

Day 3: Materials, Textures, and Presentation

  • Introduction to materials and textures
  • Lighting and rendering
  • Conclusion and feedback
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Festival highlights

● Festival opening on 23 October with concert and drinks in front of mon ami

Gala ceremony and award presentation on 25 October, followed by an after-party at the mon ami cultural centre

● Accompanying exhibition from 23 October to 30 November at the mon ami cinema

Tickets and further information are available online and at the box office on site.