The events take place on approximately 60 nights during the summer, around 50 of which take the form of film screenings including a number of German premieres. There are around 3,300 seats, 400 of which are particularly sought after because they are under cover and offer at-seat service.
The festival's name only tells half the story because some brilliant concerts also come under the film nights on the Elbe banner: R.E.M., Die Ärzte, Nelly Furtado and Die Fantastischen Vier are just a few of many who have appeared here. For these ten or so performances, the giant screen is rotated 90 degrees and handily becomes the stage's roof. All in all, the film nights on the Elbe offer an exceptional programme for around 150,000 people.
There's also one magical, free extra: for many, Dresden silhouetted against the evening sky is a highlight in itself. Many things have changed since the festival was founded in 1991, but this view forever stays the same, which surely makes the film nights on the Elbe the most beautiful open-air film and concert festival in Germany – and possibly even in Europe?