The "Panorama Weekend" is taking place for the ninth time as part of the Neisse Film Festival. From May 17 to 19, Centrum Panorama in Czech Varnsdorf is showing historical films and cinematic milestones in opulent 70mm technology and in special 35mm and 3D versions. The particular richness of detail, the amazing close-up scenes, and an auditorium with one of the largest movie screens in Europe, together create the unique fascination of this group of films. This year's program includes Peter O'Toole as "Lord Jim" (1965), the horror classic "The Exorcist" (1973), the thriller "Capricorn One" (1977), the space adventure "Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone" (1983) or Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" (1988). And "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" (2011) or "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" are two films for the whole family to watch.

Without a doubt the highlight of the series, however, is "Oppenheimer" by Christopher Nolan, which received seven awards at this year's Oscars, e.g. in the categories Best Film, Best Directing, Best Leading Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The biographical historical film deals with the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer. In the Second World War the physicist was asked to head up the highly secret "Manhattan Project." The goal: to develop the atomic bomb. In July 1945 they witnessed the first atomic explosion worldwide. This changed the path of history for ever, and makes Oppenheimer "Father of the Atomic Bomb." But in light of the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he starts to doubt and later advocates for international control of nuclear energy. As a result of this he finds himself more and more under the watchful eye of the authorities, who call him to come testify.

The 21st Neisse Film Festival will commence on May 14th in the Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater in Zittau. Between then and through May 19th, the Festival will show approximately 90 current feature, documentary and short films from the three neighboring countries and eastenr Europe in 19 cinemas and locations in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. In addition to three competitions and various other film series; the accompanying program includes a reading, concerts, theater and an exhibition. Entitled "Female Perspectives," the Focus series of this year's film festival is dedicated to the woman's perspective - and not only in the cinemas. The closing ceremonie will take place on 18 May 2023 in the Kühlhaus, Görlitz.

You will find the complete programm of the Neisse Film Festival online, and may also purchase tickets in advance, all at www.neissefilmfestival.net.