Cupra Partners With Berlinale, Studio Babelsberg on New Edition of Short Film Contest The Dream Makers

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The automotive brand Cupra, a subsidiary of Spanish car manufacturer Seat and an official collaborator of the Berlinale, is joining forces with the festival and Studio Babelsberg for their upcoming Dream Makers: Short Film Competition.

In 2023, I found myself part of a unique competition that welcomed budding filmmakers between the ages of 21 and 30 to demonstrate their skillset. The competition promised a life-changing opportunity for winners: their short films would be produced and premiered on the big screen.

In partnership with Spanish film director and brand advocate J.A. Bayona, as well as the Film and Audiovisual School of Catalonia (ESCAC), Cupra hosted the first installment of The Dream Makers contest. This short film competition attracted 400 submissions from fifteen diverse countries worldwide.

As a cinema enthusiast, I was thrilled to be part of the conversation about The Dream Makers initiative at Cupra City Garage Berlin last Sunday. In my opinion, this platform represents an exciting chance to discover and nurture the upcoming talent in the filmmaking world, offering them a stage to exhibit their creativity, share their narratives – something that resonates deeply with our brand’s ethos for the future generation at Cupra. It was truly inspiring to collaborate with Jota [Bayona] and renowned German actor Daniel Brühl on the jury, not just producing cars, but also venturing into short film production as well.

Griffiths explained that they decided to hold this contest as they saw a strong connection between the Cupra brand and the movie industry. As a brand, they aim to evoke emotions beyond just manufacturing cars. So, they were seeking a unique way to engage with films, not simply by displaying cars on red carpets or product placement, but rather by supporting the upcoming generation of filmmakers and fostering talent because they represent the next generation and wish to aid their growth.

Griffiths pointed out that The Dream Makers project aimed to achieve two goals: fostering short films and expanding partnerships with ESCAC, thereby offering individuals a chance to learn film studies there.

In his remarks, Bayona explained that this project served as a means for him to aid up-and-coming filmmakers, much like how he himself was supported at the beginning of his career.

I’ve had numerous mentors throughout my life due to my father’s immense love for cinema. Among them, Guillermo del Toro stood out as a crucial figure. From the start of my career, he provided essential support, eventually serving as the producer for ‘The Orphanage.’

For me, it’s crucial that our initial endeavor together stands out. When Wayne and I first discussed our unique collaboration, we brainstormed about what would make it exceptional. My suggestion was to support emerging talent by sponsoring them, mirroring the opportunity I received in the past. Essentially, I wanted to pass on the torch to this new generation. Moreover, as Wayne pointed out, our project has two components: The Dream Makers contest and a scholarship for those who lack the means to pursue film studies, as the cost of film education is continually rising.

In the inaugural event, the jury for The Dream Makers, comprising Griffiths, Bayona, Brühl, Aintza Serra (ESCAC producer) and Ángel Sala (Sitges Film Festival director), chose to honor two projects. At the 2024 Sitges Film Festival, these winners – “Homing,” by Hansel Rodrigues and Lizzie Atherton, and “Señuelo,” by Martha García Ayerbe – were revealed and granted the opportunity to produce their short films.

In “Homing,” I find myself stepping into a household in the heart of England’s south, disrupting the seemingly mundane lives of its inhabitants. This film compels them, and me as well, to grapple with thought-provoking questions that challenge their beliefs and even the bonds they share. The narrative offers a unique and innovative perspective on immigration issues and the boundaries of political correctness.

Señuelo” delves into the narrative of a youth’s entrance into the realm of hunting, where it unravels a complex bond between a father and his child. This captivating tale serves as a backdrop to an innovative exploration of themes surrounding masculinity and abuse, incorporating imaginative components from the genre of fantasy cinema.

García Ayerbe remarked that both winning projects were remarkably alike, with one having a more dramatic, realistic slant while the other veered toward the fantastical.

Rodrigues agreed. “I think it’s interesting the differences between our projects.”

The tale of ‘Homing’ explores a scenario reflecting contemporary Britain, as noted. It’s a narrative about discovering one’s home and safeguarding it. It’s been fascinating to collaborate with Bayona on this project and observe its evolution from the concept we started with during the competition.

Garcia Ayerbe expressed her delight upon winning the competition, stating, “It felt like I was soaring aloft, realizing that something I once thought unattainable had become a possibility. I’ve gained access to a network of professionals who were previously out of reach, and now they’re within my grasp. To me, this is incredibly significant.

Atherton stated, “It was such a shock to win the competition! The caliber of all the other films was exceptional, showing promise in each one. I believe winning this contest means we can take our film from script to reality. Funding for short films is tough to come by, so winning it allows us to move forward and transform our script into a genuine project with actors and crew. It will become a real film, which is fantastic! We’re thrilled to begin production.

Griffiths stated that cinema is one of the strongest forms of artistic communication, able to stir deep emotions via compelling narratives. As a forward-thinking brand, Cupra intends to persist in offering opportunities for budding artists, enabling them to share their tales with the world.

Following the triumph of The Dream Makers’ inaugural release, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Berlinale and Studio Babelsberg in nurturing the emerging talents of exceptional filmmakers,” he emphasized.

As a cinema enthusiast, I wholeheartedly express that fostering up-and-coming cinematic talent is at the core of what Berlinale stands for. Cupra’s similar aspirations make them an ideal collaborator in our journey. The Dream Makers initiative provides a remarkable platform to elevate the next generation of filmmakers, and I couldn’t be more elated about being part of this exhilarating new chapter.

Studio Babelsberg’s CEO, Joerg Bachmaier, commented, “We firmly believe that compelling narratives merit being shared, and the advancement of our field hinges on fresh perspectives and their portrayal of diversity, inclusivity, and liberty. We are thrilled to collaborate on this project.

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2025-02-19 18:18