Serial Producer Workshop 2026 — what a journey! 🚀
We’re looking back on four intense days dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a producer in today’s TV landscape. Through masterclasses and hands-on workshops, the twelve invited producers challenged their ideas, and gained valuable industry insights.
From creative leadership and guiding a series from development to production, to pitch training, European co-production financing, rights and legal structures, and international sales strategies — we covered every key aspect of the producer’s role.
#SerialEyes #DFFB #Berlin #Series #Producers
🎞️ Event Tip: Don't miss the chance see DFFB alumna @ute.aurand featured at @filmhauskoeln as part of the FILM AUF FILM series.
A pioneering voice in experimental cinema, Ute Aurand has shaped analogue filmmaking for decades—not only through her distinctive 16mm films, but also as a curator, educator, and initiator of the Bolex Workshop at DFFB.
On 17 May 2026, she will join audiences in Cologne for an atelier talk on analogue filmmaking and the Bolex (2:30 PM) and an evening screening of RASENDES GRÜN MIT PFEREN followed by an artist talk (6 PM).
A wonderful chance to revisit her remarkable work! Follow the link in our bio for more info & tickets. 🎟️
#DFFB #Alumni #UteAurand #FilmOnFilm
How does a film come together—from first idea to final frame? 🎬
In his directors masterclass, Radu Jude reflected on filmmaking as a process of breaking things down and putting them back together: working through uncertainty, adapting to real conditions, and treating limitations as something to engage with. Finding ways forward instead of being held back by them.
A conversation about experimentation, perspective, and the possibility of making films differently.
#DFFB #Masterclass #RaduJude #Filmmaking #CreativeProcess @radujude@sinematranstopia
What a triumph for DFFB alumni Francesco Sossai & Cecilia Trautvetter at the 2026 David di Donatello Awards!
We warmly congratulate director Francesco Sossai, producer Cecilia Trautvetter, and the entire team of LE CITTÀ DI PIANURA (THE LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD) on this extraordinary success.
As the evening’s major winner, the film received an outstanding eight awards, including the top honors for Best Film and Best Director for Francesco Sossai. Additional awards included Best Producer for DFFB alumna Cecilia Trautvetter alongside the team of producers, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Leading Actor for Sergio Romano, among others. Entering the ceremony with an impressive 16 nominations, the film lived up to its status as one of the most celebrated Italian films of the year.
Following its acclaimed premiere at @festivaldecannes in the Un Certain Regard section, LE CITTÀ DI PIANURA has captivated audiences and critics alike. Set in rural Veneto, the film is a poetic and intimate road movie that beautifully captures life in the Italian provinces.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Francesco’s singular artistic voice and a milestone in what promises to be an exceptional career. We’re proud to count him among our alumni. Congratulazioni! 🎉
#DFFB #Alumni #DavidDiDonatello @premidavid
📸 Luca Dammicco & Emanuele Manco / David di Donatello
The grand finale! 🎤✨
Today, May 7th, the Serial Eyes #13 cohort took the stage at Soho House Berlin to present their original series concepts at the Final Pitch. This moment marks the culmination of months of intensive development and growth — both on a personal and professional level. From creative leadership to financing, co-productions, and international sales, our participants are well prepared for the realities of today’s TV industry.
We couldn’t be prouder — stay tuned for more insights into their upcoming projects! 💕🎬 #dffb #berlin #FinalPitch #Serialeyes
Congratulations! Last night, DFFB student @maayanebouhnik received the Emerging Talent Award at the opening ceremony of the @juedischesfilmfestival_bb — the only prize of the evening, presented by Maria Schrader, who in her laudation found deeply moving words for Maayane’s work and the cinematography of "WHERE TO?". 🏆
In the film by Assaf Machnes @assafmach , a Palestinian Uber driver and a young Israeli tourist form an unlikely bond during Berlin’s long nights, as their encounters gradually surface buried histories, heartbreak, and the lasting echoes of displacement. The film premiered at the @berlinale and is now screening again in Berlin as part of the JFBB.
#DFFB #FilmSchool #JFBB
Here’s our selection committee for the Directing program: Ali Motamedi Dehbareza, Angelika Levi, Michael Bertl, Azin Feizabadi, Lisa Bierwirth, Agnes Pakozdi, Friederike Steinbeck, and Lena Thiemann — with additional contributions during the preliminary selection process from Julian Radlmaier and Serpil Turhan (not pictured).
The selection process is designed to explore applicants’ ability to express a distinct creative vision and bring ideas to life through staging and performance. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong sensibility in working with actors, alongside an openness to documentary approaches. Working on practical tasks and in dialogue with the jury, applicants are evaluated on originality, directorial sensitivity, and artistic judgment.
Fingers crossed to everyone taking part! 🙌
#DFFB #Filmschool #Berlin #Directing #ApplicationProcess
Wolf Plesmann ist seit dem 1. Juli 2024 (zuvor ab September 2023 interimistisch) geschäftsführender Direktor der Deutschen Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (DFFB). Der Volljurist mit Erfahrung in Medienpolitik und Management leitet die Akademie seit drei Jahren, inklusive des geplanten Umzugs an einen neuen Standort.
Mit ihm und Angelika Levi sprechen wir in der aktuellen @dffb_berlin Kooperationsfolge.
#dffb #indiefilmtalk #filmausbildung #letstalkaboutfilmmaking
We’re pleased to present our selection committee for the Cinematography program: Ali Motamedi Dehbareza, Friederike Steinbeck, Lisa Bierwirth, Azin Feizabadi, Michael Bertl, Angelika Levi, Lena Thiemann, and Agnes Pakozdi — during the preliminary selection process, Carmen Treichl was also involved (not pictured).
Moreover, we're happy to share a few b/w impressions from the studio portion of the entrance exam. 📸
As part of the selection process, applicants are challenged to shape visual storytelling through camera and light. Candidates are expected to show sensitivity in working with light in studio environments as well as an understanding of documentary image-making. In hands-on tasks and a one-on-one exchange, candidates are assessed on their visual awareness, technical skills, and creative judgment.
We’re rooting for all applicants! 😍
#DFFB #Filmschool #Berlin #Cinematrography #ApplicationProcess
THE PLANT FROM THE CANARIES, directed by Ruan Lan-Xi @ruanlanxi and shot by Jonathan Steil @jonathansteildp , is heading to two international stops this spring: @jeonju_iff (April 29 – May 8, 2026) and @indielisboa (April 30 – May 10, 2026).
After its recent success at the @achtungberlin film festival, where it received the award for Best Mid-Length Film, it now continues its festival journey abroad.
The film tells the story of May, a Korean woman in her early thirties, drifting through sleepless days in Berlin after an unexpected breakup, as memories of her youth in Seoul quietly resurface.
A gentle portrait of displacement, language, and the quiet weight of everyday life.
#DFFB #FilmSchool #Berlin #ThePlantFromTheCanaries #FilmFestival
Seit Oktober 2025 ist Angelika Levi Künstlerische Direktion an der DFFB. Für Levi ist es eine Rückkehr an ihre alte Wirkungsstätte: Sie studierte selbst von 1985 bis 1991 an der DFFB. Seither ist sie als Filmemacherin aktiv, ihre Arbeiten liefen auf internationalen Festivals, in Ausstellungen und im Kino und wurden vielfach ausgezeichnet. Levi arbeitet genreübergreifend, mit einem starken Fokus auf gesellschaftspolitische und historische Themen. Seit 2022 unterrichtet Angelika Levi als Professorin für Film an der Hochschule für Gestaltung in Offenbach am Main.
Mit ihr und Wolf Plesmann sprechen wir in der aktuellen Kooperationsfolge mit der @dffb_berlin
