 The Opening Film Strand is a recurring strand and includes the one or two films shown on the Opening Night

The Main Features Strand is a recurring strand and includes all feature and documentary films not included in other strands

The Retrospective Strands are reoccurring strands that highlight the work of an influential filmmaker.The Contemporary German Strand is a recurring strand that also includes Contemporary German shorts.The strand is designed to showcase established and new talent from new German Cinema.