Crowds of Filmmakers in Berlin Celebrate Local Success
At the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg's annual outdoor event, industry professionals from film, production, and acting gathered to recognize the funder's achievements and bid farewell to its outgoing CEO, Kirsten Niehuus.
A Who's Who of German Cinema
Celebrities in attendance included Volker Schlöndorff, Martin Moszkowicz, Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Matthias Schweighöfer, among many others.
Medienboard's Impact on Berlin's Film Landscape
Niehuus reflected on her two decades at the helm, acknowledging the pivotal role Medienboard has played in establishing Berlin as a film production hub in Germany. She highlighted the support provided to diverse projects, ranging from popular comedies to award-winning art films.
Berlinale 2023 and Beyond
At this year's Berlin International Film Festival, Medienboard supported 15 productions, including Tykwer's opening film "The Light" and Östlund's Cannes-winning "Triangle of Sadness." Niehuus emphasized the shift towards topics such as aging and queer love stories in contemporary German cinema.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, Niehuus identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a key industry trend. She sees potential for Berlin to emerge as an AI hub in Germany, particularly in the realm of visual effects.
Sarah Duve-Schmid Takes Over
Niehuus will retire in June, and Sarah Duve-Schmid will succeed her as CEO. Duve-Schmid currently serves as deputy chairman and head of the Funding Department at the German Federal Film Board (FFA).