CINEMARE 10th International Marine Film Festival in Kiel

When ocean films hit the screens of Kiel’s cinemas in May, it will be time once again for the CINEMARE International Ocean Film Festival. From 5 to 10 May 2026, the state capital will transform into a meeting point for ocean enthusiasts for the tenth time. Alongside the films, the festival will feature talks and events from around the globe exploring topics such as marine research, environmental protection and sustainable futures. Visitors can look forward to breathtaking underwater imagery, thrilling expeditions and inspiring stories shared by filmmakers, scientists and activists.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is once again contributing to the CINEMARE programme in several ways. As well as participating in film productions, our scientists will contribute to panel discussions and other event formats.

GEOMAR events at CINEMARE 2026:

Opening on May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Metro-Kino in Kiel
Opening film: Mission Sea Otter
Opening discussion with Kristin Recke, Minister President Daniel Günther, and GEOMAR Director Professor Dr. Katja Matthes
Doors open: 7:00 p.m.

“Salt and Water” (Director: Ines Reinisch) on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Studio Kino
Documentary about the Polarstern expedition led by Marcus Gutjahr (GEOMAR)

May 8, 2026, 3:00 PM (Arena2)
Location: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Meeting point: 3:00 PM at Wellingdorf ferry terminal
Film starts: 3:15 PM

A Traveller's Guide to the Seafloor (35 min, German):
On an exploratory journey around the globe, we discover the unique geological processes that shape our planet—most visibly on the ocean floor! (GEOMAR 2025)

Sea Plastic (5 min) (narrated by Dirk Steffens):
Our planet is drowning in waste—because we have become addicted to single-use items and disposable plastic. In this film, The Jetlagged, in collaboration with the Plastic Pollution Coalition, show our dependence on plastic and raise awareness of the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment.

360° Coral Reefs – Life Beneath the Surface (5 min):
Join us on an underwater journey and discover stunning coral reefs. Created in collaboration with the ZMT Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, this film showcases the unique biodiversity of coral reefs in the Coral Triangle, while also highlighting their acute threat from climate change and environmental destruction and the urgent need to protect them.

May 8, 2026, 4:00 PM (Arena2)
Location: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Meeting point: 4:00 PM at Wellingdorf ferry terminal
Film starts: 4:15 PM

Drones of the Deep – AL533 (20 min, German):
Let’s follow the final research voyage of the submersible Jago as it transitions into a new era of unmanned marine robotics! (GEOMAR 2021)

Pixel Zoo Ocean (35 min):
Dive into a colorful virtual underwater world and embark on an immersive journey through the ocean!
Registration link: https://events.geomar.de/event/1070/ (free of charge)

“Waterwoman” on May 8 at 6:00 PM at Studio Kino
Featuring Angela Stevenson (formerly of GEOMAR) on seagrass restoration in Maasholm

“Hinaus & Hinab” premiere on May 8 at 5:30 PM at Studio Kino
Premiere of short films by CAU students – including “Grundgefahr” with Mareike Keller, Gabriel Nolte, Jana-Sophie Appelt, and Maria Klohn (all from GEOMAR)

All information at a glance:

Dates: May 5–10, 2026

Venues for the listed events:
Metro Kino im Schlosshof – Holtenauer Straße 162-170, 24105 Kiel
Studio Filmtheater – Wilhelminenstraße 10, 24103 Kiel

Tickets: Available directly at participating theaters
 

Further information and the complete programme are available at the following link: www.cinemare.org.