Frequently asked questions

Why do you call yourself britspotting although you show British and Irish Films?

In 2000, a group of German cineastes pooled their efforts to create a festival for British films. Despite its humble origins, this event, known from the outset as “britspotting”, became the largest German-based festival for British films. 2005 saw the introduction of an Irish feature film, which proved so popular with audiences that the festival organizers decided to include and celebrate Irish films from then on. Although Ireland and Britain do have distinct, rich cultural tapestries, there are also some similarities. In the cinema industry, Irish and British filmmakers often collaborate together; the same actors take roles in productions spanning both countries, eased by the lack of language barriers; directors and film producers are able to train their craft in both countries, and both groups of filmmakers benefit from the close cultural relationships they share.

As changing the name of a festival that has run for ten years might undermine the following it had earned, britspotting’s full title has been adapted to “britspotting: British and Irish film festival”, and the festival organisers make no attempt to conflate Britain and Ireland as one national entity. The title clearly shows that both Irish and British filmmakers can submit their work to the festival, something that the team behind britspotting looks forward to every year. Britain’s very name alludes to an Irish connection as, therefore, does britspotting. The “brit” part of the name could be considered a reference to “Britan” (sometimes Britain Máel), an Irish Chief figure. According to the publication Myths of the Celtic Race (Rolleston), after the Nemedians revolted against the two Irish kings, Morc and Conann, the Chief Britan took his family to settle on foreign shores, and it is this family that gave their name to the land “Great Britain”. As this legend demonstrates, the stories and cultures of Ireland and Britain have been historically and tenaciously interwoven. britspotting aims to continue to bring Anglo-Celtic film to its enthusiastic and supportive German audience.

Why is the festival not taking place in April anymore?

We moved britspotting to november (13.-15.11.2009) to guarantee a higher chance of true British weather

Where is the festival going to take place?

In Berlin. We have two festival cinemas: Feature films will be screened at the Babylon cinema in Mitte, short films at the Downstairs Cinema of the Filmcafé in Schliemannstraße in Prenzlauer Berg.

Are you also showing British or Irish films outside of the time of the festival?

Yes, whenever we get the opportunity to do so. Turn to our Facebook page for reliable information about dates.

What is SCHOOL OF LIFE?

SCHOOL OF LIFE is our programme targeted to children, which takes place at the Filmmuseum in Potsdam during the time of the festival. More information can be found here.

What‘s the difference beetween SCHOOL OF LIFE and SCHOOL OF LIFE- expanded?

SCHOOL OF LIFE-expanded is being worked on right now in collaboration with the Freie Universität Berlin. The goal of this is to expand the old SCHOOL OF LIFE programme for children, and to offer it not only during the time of the festival, but all through the year. More information about the project can be found here.

How can I support you?

We all are doing voluntary work and always need support to keep the festival going. Since we‘re a non profit independent organisation, we are happy to receive donations. Every Euro helps and we‘re looking forward to your support.

Companies, institutes etc. that are interested in sponsoring the festival can find all relevant information here.

Vacant positions at britspotting are to be found here.

Where can I get new information about your events?

We post our events to our website. If you don‘t want to visit regularly, but also don‘t want to miss anything, you can subscribe to our RSS-Feed or become a fan of our Facebook page.

We also keep twittering regularly. Not only about us as a festival, but also about British and Irish film in general.

If you find this too stressful, you can always subscribe to our convenient newsletter and receive all information via e-mail.

I made a film. Can I submit it to you?

Under certain circumstances you can. The exact rules for film submissions are explained here. For any further questions, please turn to us via e-mail.