GUEST OF HONOUR 2026 – TOM BARCAL
The NRW Film Festival is proud to announce Tom Barcal as our esteemed Guest of Honour. We are honored to welcome a distinguished actor whose career spans acclaimed television productions, international cinema, and musical theatre.
Tom Barcal is a German actor best known for his iconic role as Marc “Keule” Schneider in the RTL series Alles was zählt, in which he appeared in more than 1,000 episodes between 2006 and 2011. His powerful screen presence and authentic performances quickly made him a familiar face to millions of viewers.
Over the years, he has appeared in numerous television series and films, including Tatort, Alarm für Cobra 11, Lindenstraße, and Wilsberg. His international film work includes productions such as The Poet and Euro Club, where he acted alongside Eric Roberts, as well as collaborations with renowned actors including Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes, and Rosario Dawson.
Tom Barcal’s artistic journey reflects a strong commitment to emotionally driven and character-focused storytelling. His performances are marked by intensity, versatility, and a deep connection to the roles he portrays, earning him recognition from both audiences and industry professionals.
In addition to his work in film and television, Tom Barcal is also active in musical theatre and has taken leading roles in stage productions such as Ein bisschen Frieden and Erdbeerbrause. Alongside his artistic career, he is strongly engaged in social and charitable causes and serves as an ambassador for humanitarian organizations supporting vulnerable children.
For his social commitment and artistic achievements, he has received multiple awards, including the Emy-Lauffs Award, the Rett Award, and the German Regional Television Award.
We are delighted to welcome Tom Barcal to the NRW Film Festival, where he will join us in celebrating independent cinema, meeting filmmakers, and engaging with audiences. His presence adds great value to the festival and serves as inspiration for emerging artists and film lovers alike.
Thank you, Mr. Barcal, for joining us and honoring the NRW Film Festival as our Guest of Honor.
GUEST OF HONOUR 2026 – KAIS SETTI
Kais Setti is a German-Tunisian actor based in Cologne, known for his strong screen presence and versatility across theatre, film, and television. He has performed on major European stages, including the renowned Burgtheater Vienna, where he developed a solid foundation in both classical and contemporary theatre.
He gained wider recognition through international productions such as Dogs of Berlin and the Netflix feature film Blood Red Sky, one of the most successful German films released worldwide. Kais is also a familiar face in German television, particularly in crime dramas and series, where his performances are marked by authenticity and emotional depth.
With a career that bridges theatre and screen, Kais Setti represents a modern European actor shaped by multicultural influences. His work reflects a strong commitment to meaningful storytelling and continues to resonate with audiences both in Germany and internationally.
Thank you, Mr. Setti, for joining us and honoring the NRW Film Festival as our Guest of Honor.
GUEST OF HONOUR 2026 – İLKİN TÜFEKÇİ
The NRW Film Festival is proud to announce İlkin Tüfekçi as our esteemed Guest of Honor. We are honored to welcome a talented actress whose career spans acclaimed television productions and powerful dramatic performances, making her a respected figure in contemporary Turkish cinema and television.
İlkin Tüfekçi is an accomplished Turkish actress known for her strong screen presence and emotional depth. She gained wide recognition through major television series such as Karadayı, Kara Para Aşk (Black Money Love), Zemheri, Menajerimi Ara, and the hit TV series Seversin (2022–2023). Her performances are marked by versatility, authenticity, and the ability to portray complex characters with sincerity and intensity.
Over the years, she has built a diverse body of work across drama and character-driven storytelling, earning appreciation from both audiences and industry professionals. Her artistic journey reflects a commitment to meaningful roles and expressive storytelling, establishing her as a prominent presence in modern Turkish television.
İlkin Tüfekçi has also spent several years working and living in Spain, where she has been recognized with a Best Actress award for her performance, highlighting her expanding international reach and artistic recognition beyond Turkey.
We are delighted to welcome İlkin Tüfekçi to the NRW Film Festival, where she will join us in celebrating independent cinema, meeting filmmakers, and engaging with audiences. Her participation adds great value to the festival and inspires emerging artists and film lovers alike.
Please note: This is a tentative confirmation from the actress and subject to final scheduling approval.