Cannes 2026: Our first time inside the Palais

On Regina Ziegler's invitation we got to experience the premiere of „Heimsuchung“ at the 79th Festival de Cannes. Volker Schlöndorff's adaptation of the novel by Jenny Erpenbeck, and for us the first time inside the Palais.

[k]eine produktion at the 79th Festival de Cannes May 23, 2026 Festival

I. On Regina Ziegler’s invitation

At the 79th Festival de Cannes we were able to attend the premiere of „Heimsuchung“ on Regina Ziegler’s invitation. A heartfelt thank you for that, on behalf of Jakob Hermann Haehner, Johannes Fielers and Lino Kalkhoff. For us it was the first time in Cannes, and so one of those experiences you’ve heard a lot about beforehand and yet known nothing of.

Jakob Hermann Haehner, Fabian Gasmia and Johannes Fielers at the reception in front of a Cannes photo wall — l. to r. Jakob Hermann Haehner, Fabian Gasmia (Seven Elephants) and Johannes Fielers

A man in a tuxedo straightening his bow tie, the waiting crowd behind him — Just before going in

II. Inside the Palais de Cannes

Inside the Palais de Cannes you experience cinema culture on a whole different level. The auditorium, the audience, the moment the lights go down. An unforgettable first premiere, one we won’t forget any time soon.

A group in evening dress on the red carpet in Cannes — Evening dress on the red carpet

Tomomi Themann in a tuxedo on the way into the Palais, black and white — Tomomi Themann on the way into the Palais

Jakob Hermann Haehner, Lino Kalkhoff and Johannes Fielers in tuxedos in front of palm trees on the Croisette, black and white — Us from [k]eine produktion: l. to r. Jakob Hermann Haehner, Lino Kalkhoff and Johannes Fielers

III. „Heimsuchung“

„Heimsuchung“ is based on the novel of the same name by Jenny Erpenbeck and was turned by director Volker Schlöndorff into a moving, emotionally layered story. One that leaves every viewer room to read it for themselves.

The film opens in cinemas on 15 October. In Germany it is distributed by STUDIOCANAL Germany. Anyone who can see it should see it on the big screen.

Sean Douglas, Jakob Hermann Haehner and Johannes Fielers in tuxedos on a terrace above the Croisette, black and white — l. to r. Sean Douglas, Jakob Hermann Haehner and Johannes Fielers

IV. Our first Cannes

It was one of the strongest experiences in our festival history so far. And it has only made one wish bigger. We’re already looking ahead to the day our own first film screens here. A thank you also goes to Markus Olpp.

Nina Lilith Völsch, Maria Matschke Engel and Sean Douglas during the day on the Croisette — l. to r. Nina Lilith Völsch, Maria Matschke Engel and Sean Douglas

The bay of Cannes in the evening, a calm sea — The bay in the evening

V. Watch and listen

We captured the whole Cannes week, the before and the after. Once as a film in Johannes Fielers’ Weekly, and once to listen to as an episode of [k]ein podcast. Both the watch and the listen are worth it.

Listen to the Cannes episode

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