IFFI in the Botanical Garden

Every year, the International Film Festival Innsbruck (IFFI) brings international cinema and new perspectives to the city. But alongside the classic festival screenings, IFFI also organizes smaller “satellite events” that take film culture beyond the cinema and into some of Innsbruck’s most beautiful and unexpected locations.

One of this year’s most special events took place on 21 May 2026 at the Botanical Garden Innsbruck — a quiet, peaceful space above the city that many people only know from university life. Some may not know they actually host quite a few events throughout the year!  For one evening, the garden transformed into an open-air cinema where visitors could enjoy film, conversation and a relaxed summer atmosphere surrounded by nature.

At 17:00, perfect for ending the work day, visitors could bring blankets and snacks for a picnic. Some lounge chairs were provided but a good amount brought their own. There was also a “Water Tasting Bar” set up by the staff of the botanical gardens. It was a really creative and neat alternative to a concession stand that everyone could enjoy. For a voluntary donation you could choose from lavender, dandelion, elderflower or pine water, mostly made by the staff themselves. The staff offered stories and information about the garden and were so lovely to talk to! I highly recommend the dandelion water!

At 20:00pm Dr. Willi Bauer and Anna Ladinig started a panel discussion about the film and what to expect, including the message of the film and why it is so important to be included in the festival. Given that it is May and it is still very light out in the evening the panel was first then the film, which offered great insight.

This year’s screening features L’Arbre de l’Authenticité (The Tree of Authenticity) by filmmaker Sammy Baloji. The film looks at the relationship between nature, history and colonialism in the Congo Basin. It centers around the former research station Yangambi, where trees were studied during the Belgian colonial period. Combining archive material, beautiful aerial shots and immersive sound, the documentary explores how people have tried to understand — and control — nature over time.

The Botanical Garden event is part of IFFI’s wider satellite program, which brings screenings and collaborations to different locations across Innsbruck and Tirol throughout the festival. Upcoming events also include an evening at Bozner Platz on 28 May, as well as screenings in mountain locations like the Seegrube.

These events show a different side of the festival: open, accessible and closely connected to the city itself. Whether in public squares, gardens or high above Innsbruck in the mountains, the goal is always to create shared cultural experiences in memorable places.

All Photos : @Laura Wunsch