The library and text archive of the DFF are located in the German National Library in Frankfurt am Main. DFF’s library holds more than 80,000 publications on the history and theory of film, genres and motifs, film industry and technology, as well as film novels and published screenplays. The collection also contains so-called grey literature: publications that have not appeared in bookshops, such as materials for film festivals, exhibition catalogues or theses. Unique is our historical collection of 
film books and film brochures since 1897 as well as on the prehistory of film.
The text archive collects historical documents and has the largest holdings in Europe with around one million press articles, 3,000 historical censorship maps, 45,000 film programmes and 8,000 screenplays. Around 80 current German and international film magazines, a unique collection of historical magazines as well as films on video and DVD complete the holdings.
Our staff offer optimal support and professional advice. The DFF library is a refernce library, therefore books and other materials are available for on-site research only.
To plan your research, please get in touch with us in advance.
Our staff will be happy to advise you!
Contact
Library
Jens Kaufmann
Phone: +49 (0)69 961 220 430
Email: kaufmann@dff.film
Text Archive
Christof Schöbel
Phone: +49 (0)69 961 220 414
Email: schoebel@dff.film
Magazines and Press Clippings
Debora Classen
Tel. +49 (0)69 961 220 413
classen@dff.film
Opening Hours
DFF Service Desk
Tuesday through Friday 10:00 – 18:00
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Reading Room and Service Desk
Monday through Friday: 9:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Online Research
Address and Directions
Bibliothek und Textarchiv des DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum
c/o Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Adickesallee 1
60322 Frankfurt am Main
Public Transport
Metro: U5 / Bus Line 32 (Stop Deutsche Nationalbibliothek)
Further Information
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Fees
The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek’s terms of service also apply to the DFF library and text archive. A valid ID or passport is needed to sign-up for a library card. The library card is valid for both, the DFF library as well as the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek.
Since 1 March 2020 the use of the German National Library is free of charge until further notice. The fees for copies, etc. can be found in the respective valid cost regulations.
