I would like to thank everyone who was faithful to us this year, who still believe in the cultural and social significance of music films and who supported us through time both with us and for us, the provided resources, tickets bought and positive feedback.

Facts first: the eight films that we screened between 7th and 10th of April 2011 in cinemas in Hamburg were visited by a total of 380 people. The average of 47 people per film is surely satisfactory.

Highlights are not clearly defined this year. All films were top notch and have picked up awards at other festivals already. None of them had ever been shown in Hamburg before.

The spectrum was a lot more focussed than in previous years and picked up on pop-cultural phenomenons which were filmed around the globe in their respective country specific context.

This year we also had almost at the same time two (!) other music film festivals in Berlin. Therefore UNERHÖRT! Hamburg has lost its unique position in Germany after four years. However, this clearly shows that this film genre, which is much loved by us, has definitely proved its right of existence. A festival is also the right cultural format to show these films and there is a hungry audience for these events.

Although we have been emphasising this point for years, it has to be made again: If we could act the way we want to, we would show a new music film every day for the next two years.... The fact that we were only able to show eight highlights this year is only due to financial constraints and not because of a lack of quality films.

How do we progress? Well, we have once more demonstrated that with a healthy dose of self-exploitation and high willingness to cooperate (thanks again to the Dokfilmwoche!) and despite financial hardship, a good event is feasible and can add true value to the cultural landscape of Hamburg. It has also become clear that our festival is a cultural event which cannot survive without support.

We look forward to your help in keeping the festival alive (are you a member yet?) and hope to see you again next time!

Ralf Schulze - Head of the Festival

Posted by Andreas on 15.04.2011 at 12:13 Uhr