The colorful, radiant logo of a stylized sun on the cover says it better than words: it's time to shine. Culture not only fulfills the task of enlightenment, it also offers the opportunity to let our creativity and our hopeful side shine.

And they do: as every year, the brilliant minds of contemporary filmmakers and artists gather at the Film Festival Cologne. They let us dive deep into their craft, their inspirations and the dynamic interplay of storytelling and aesthetics.

The annual publication FFCGN – Die Macht der Bilder Vol. 4 accompanies the festival with many photos, insightful essays and intimate interviews. Through the lens of cinema, the editors provide an insight into the diverse perspectives and innovative approaches that shape today's cultural landscape and pop culture. Whether the filmmakers are exploring themes such as identity, social justice or the human condition, they illuminate the world with their unique views and perspectives and invite us to accompany them.