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Who do we trust when we watch? And how is trust created or broken in film? The motto TRUST explores the subjectivity of narration and the relationship between us and what we see and hear.
In an age in which images are manipulated, narratives shortened and reality staged, we want to take a closer look. Trust is not only created between film characters, but also between film and audience – and this trust can also be deceptive. Because even images and seemingly objective narratives are never free of perspective. The filmmakers will show this with their works on the theme of TRUST from a wide variety of perspectives.
TRUST is the thematic festival focus for the 30th OpenEyes Filmfest 2025 – an artistic and political field of exploration that renegotiates the relationship between the viewer, the medium and the world. Developments such as artificial intelligence, deep fakes and targeted disinformation show that Trust is becoming a resource – and a weak point. Whether in public discourse or in personal interaction, trust is key. Films must also ask: Where does manipulation begin – and where does knowledge arise?
TRUST asks: How can film still be sincere today?
From documentary aesthetics to playing with radical subjectivity, from quiet close-ups to Brecht-style alienation: our films search for new forms of trust. They show honest characters, psychological depth, open endings – and leave room for your own interpretations. Can we rely on what a character tells us? And how reliable are the images we are shown?
You are invited to help negotiate the topic of TRUST from the auditorium. We look forward with you to films that build trust – and question it.
To moments in which we want to believe – and to moments that make us doubt.
