German films that are true to the independent spirit, tell individual and personal stories and realize their visions in uncompromising ways are featured here. German Independents stands for filmmaking with an edge, an impact, a signature. Tom Tykwer`s 'run lola run' stands out as a world-wide success. Directors such as Fatih Akin ('Short sharp shock'; 'In July'), Caroline Link ('Beyond Silence') or Romuald Karmakar ('Manila') have made and will make their mark from this platform.