The 2025 HSBC German Film Festival opened with a delightful blend of laughter and introspection on Wednesday, May 7, courtesy of David Dietl’s ensemble comedy Long Story Short (Feste & Freunde – Ein Hoch auf uns!). This Australian premiere, held at the Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas in Adelaide, set a warm and celebratory tone for the festival, offering attendees a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and life’s unpredictable turns.

Spanning three years and seven gatherings, the film chronicles the evolving dynamics of a close-knit group of friends. Central to the narrative is Ellen (Laura Tonke), who, at a New Year’s Eve party in 2019, is entangled in a secret affair with the married Sebastian (Ronald Zehrfeld). Their clandestine relationship unfolds amidst the complexities of their social circle: Mareike (Annette Frier) and Adam (Trystan Pütter) grapple with marital tensions; Maya (Katia Fellin) and Natalie (Jasmin Shakeri) confront diverging desires about parenthood; and Rolf (Nicholas Ofczarek) finds unexpected romance with newcomer Dina (Pegah Ferydoni). The ensemble cast delivers nuanced performances, capturing the bittersweet essence of life’s milestones – from weddings and births to separations and reconciliations.

Dietl’s direction, complemented by Elena Senft’s screenplay, masterfully balances humour and poignancy. The film’s structure, reminiscent of classics like Four Weddings and a Funeral, offers a contemporary German perspective on the joys and trials of adulthood.

The opening night festivities enhanced the cinematic experience, featuring German-themed refreshments and a social atmosphere that mirrored the film’s celebratory spirit. As the festival continues, Long Story Short stands out as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in capturing the complexities of human relationships.

The HSBC film festival is running from May 7 – 28 at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect cinemas. Get your tickets here.