»LUCAS for Families«
»And … Action!«
When: SUN, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum
ON FESTIVAL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, LUCAS HAS A FANTASTIC FAMILY PROGRAM IN STORE! Under the title »And … Action!« children can explore different film professions through free workshops and hands-on activities. A trip to the DFF means free admission for all family members from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both to the cinema and to the permanent exhibition.
Festival Sunday is all about watching, asking questions, and getting involved: Throughout the DFF, young film fans will find stations dedicated to different film professions such as assistant director, sound, stunts, and special effects, and much more. Further information about all the day’s offerings can be found here shortly before the festival starts.
The DFF Cinema will show a diverse film program. It kicks off at 10 a.m. with an animated film from the »Kids« competition: MUMBO JUMBO (recommended from ages 5) tells the story of a young hippo who miraculously grows into a giant. At 12 p.m., the short film program for »Minis« (recommended from age 3) invites the youngest festival visitors to discover the world of moving images. In the afternoon, two more animated films from the »Kids« competition will be shown: JULIÁN (recommended from age 6) starts at 1.30 p.m. and is about a boy’s relationship with his grandmother—which is put to the test when he wants to march in a parade dressed as a mermaid. At 3.45 p.m., in BRAVE CAT (recommended from age 8), wildcat Kona sets out to find her mother, who was kidnapped by a circus.
Anyone who wants to learn more about early visual media and filmmaking before or after their cinema visit can explore the permanent exhibition on film history across two floors.
Please note:
- The workshops and hands-on activities as well as admission to the cinema and the DFF’s permanent exhibition are free for all family members on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Due to high demand, we recommend reserving cinema tickets in advance.
- Not part of the »LUCAS for Families« program are the current temporary exhibition “W.I.M. In the Course of Time” (recommended from age 12), which offers insight into the work of director Wim Wenders, as well as the LUCAS evening screenings at the DFF Cinema.
- Workshops can only be booked on-site.
- Admission for »LUCAS for Families« begins on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9.45 a.m.
Young festival visitors can look forward to these exciting workshops. More information about start times and recommended minimum age for participants can be found in the schedule further down on this page:
🎬 AND … ACTION! BECOME A PIRATE – Assistant Directing Workshop with Jannis Skalieris and Anja Hehrlein (recommended from age 8)
Inspired by the TV film STÖRTEBEKER (DE 2006), on which Jannis Skalieris worked as first assistant director, the children become a pirate crew. Equipped with a sword, eye patch and pirate hat, they develop a short scene together. With guidance from the two assistant directors, they will learn in a playful and hands-on way how a film shoot works and what extras actually do.
And here’s a tip: Why not rummage through your costume box at home? We’ll be giving away fun craft kits among all the pirate kids who arrive at the DFF already dressed up. Arrr!
✏️ DESIGNING CHARACTERS FOR ANIMATION – Drawing with animation pro Fabian Erlinghäuser (recommended from age 6)
Fabian Erlinghäuser from Cartoon Saloon, who has worked as Animation Director on three Oscar®-nominated films, offers an insight into character design and the way an animation studio works. Using example characters from the competition film JULIÁN, which will be screened at the DFF Cinema beforehand, he invites participants to pick up a pencil and design their own characters.
💃 DANCE LIKE IN THE MOVIES – Hands-on workshop with director Abhay Punjabi (recommended from age 7)
The group will first watch a scene from the competition film TO FETCH A PAIL OF WATER. They will then learn its choreography together with director Abhay Punjabi before performing it to Bollywood music in the DFF foyer. Parents are very welcome to join in too!
🔥 FIRE AND FLAMES ON FILM – Harry’s Special Effects (recommended from age 4)
What actually happens when something catches fire in a film? In this workshop, children learn how protective paste, smoke powder and special effects materials can be used to create realistic weather effects and flames. A special fog machine will also create shimmering soap bubbles filled with smoke – very much in the LUCAS spirit.
🤸♀️ FIGHTING AND FALLING ON FILM – Stunt Tricks (recommended from age 8)
This workshop is all about spectacular action – without anyone getting hurt. Under professional guidance, children can try out simple stunts and learn how film stars safely perform scenes that look dangerous.
🔊 COLLECTING SOUNDS, BUILDING BEATS – Between Sound Design and Film Music (recommended from age 8)
Equipped with professional recording equipment, the young participants set off on a sound hunt through the film museum. The sounds they collect are then turned into their own beats. This workshop explores the space between music and sound design and shows just how much creativity can be found in sound.
Schedule (in German):
More about the festival program at the DFF Cinema:
IE/LU/DK/CA 2026. D: Louise Bagnall.
DK 2026. D: Karsten Kiilerich, Stine Marie Buhl.
CL 2026. D: Gabriel Osorio Vargas.