When does the event start?

The Queer Film Festival - Free at Heart begins on September 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM.

Where is the event taking place?

At the cultural space die flora located at Florastraße 26, 45879 Gelsenkirchen.

How much is the entry fee?

The regular entry fee is 5 euros, reduced 3 euros.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the entrance is accessible, there is an elevator, a disabled toilet, and marked disabled parking spaces.

Who is the guest at the film evening?

Director Max Hegewald is announced as an extra guest after the screening.

For what audience is the film suitable?

The film is rated FSK 16, making it suitable for a youthful and adult audience.

Queer cinema with heart: A festival evening that quietly electrifies Gelsenkirchen

Name: Queer Film Festival - Free at Heart
Start: 2026-09-10T22:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-11T00:00:00+02:00
Location: Kulturraum „die flora“

An intense festival evening with queer cinema energy in Gelsenkirchen

The Queer Film Festival - Free at Heart will bring a moving coming-of-age drama to the screen on September 10, 2026 at the cultural space “die flora”. The story centers around Sebastian, whose world is turned upside down by Kolja - a film about desire, family, inner conflicts, and the power of feelings that cannot be locked away.

Cinema that goes under the skin

Free at Heart tells a love story that breaks rules with great intimacy and emotional tension. Max Hegewald directs a debut film that captures small-town life, teenage experiences, and the insecurities of growing up with a precise eye. The original German version, with a runtime of 103 minutes and rated FSK 16, makes the evening a concentrated, powerful festival experience.

A special guest on stage

A central highlight is the extra guest Director Max Hegewald, who will meet the audience for a discussion after the screening. This moderated Q&A adds depth to the festival evening and opens up space for questions, insights into the film's creation, and direct exchange with the creative mind behind the work.

The setting: Cultural space “die flora”

The cultural space “die flora” provides a suitable, approachable setting for this. The event will take place in a central location in Gelsenkirchen, with an accessible entrance, elevator, and disabled toilets. Marked disabled parking spaces are also available. Thus, the evening combines cultural quality with an accessible venue.

Festival feeling instead of mere screening

The Queer Film Festival stands for a multi-day program that makes queer perspectives visible and creates a sense of community. That exact festival atmosphere also shapes this event: a film evening that not only entertains but touches, encourages discussion, and hopefully resonates long after. Anyone looking for queer cinema with a stance and a culture of conversation will find a strong must-attend occasion here.

Conclusion: Anyone who wants to experience intense cinema, a strong queer film festival, and direct conversation with the director should mark this evening in their calendar. Free at Heart promises a moving, intelligent, and open festival moment in Gelsenkirchen - it unfolds its full effect live on site.