Germany’s Film Industry Defies Gloom with Record Local Productions at 2025 Berlinale

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Despite a challenging economic downturn that has affected Germany’s film industry, causing a generally pessimistic outlook, the sector is still reveling in a record-breaking number of domestic films and co-productions showcased at this year’s Berlinale. They are also eagerly anticipating a varied slate of 2025 releases, which includes several high-profile sequels.

The troubles within the industry were worsened by the fall of the federal government in December, leading to unexpected elections on Feb 23rd. This political turmoil halted a comprehensive reform of the national film funding system halfway through, leaving it for the incoming administration to address.

The problems within the industry became more severe due to the fall of the federal government in December, which then led to sudden elections on Feb 23rd. The political instability prevented a complete reform of the national film funding system from being completed, meaning the new government will need to deal with it.

Despite initial reservations, the industry embraced the eleventh-hour expansion and boost of two crucial financial incentives by the current administration in December, which guaranteed long-term planning stability for filmmakers, studio owners, and production support services.

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In December, the government unexpectedly extended and magnified two significant funding incentives at the last moment, a move that brought a sense of assurance regarding future plans to producers, studio operators, and providers of production services, an action that was warmly accepted by the industry.

Currently, there’s a lot of excitement within the local film scene as German films are making a significant impact at the Berlin Film Festival. Out of the over 240 movies being showcased, around 66 of them are either solely produced in Germany or are collaborative efforts between Germany and other countries.

This year, the grand festival will kick off with Tom Tykwer’s eagerly awaited drama titled “The Light.” The story revolves around a Berlin family who experience unexpected transformations upon welcoming a fresh Syrian caretaker into their home.

The film, shown outside of competition at Berlinale Special Gala, delves partially into Tykwer’s own “middle-class generation,” as he described it to German Films Quarterly. This generation perceived itself as progressive and cosmopolitan, aiming to instill these values in their offspring. However, the director now admits that they are facing the consequences of their shortcomings more and more catastrophically.

Similarly, the Special Gala section features Ido Fluk’s “Köln 75,” which tells the real-life tale of Vera Brandes, a defiant teenager in 1970s Cologne who dared to orchestrate a concert with renowned jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. This event resulted in “The Köln Concert,” an incredible success that sold approximately 4 million copies worldwide.

Additionally, the section includes “Islands” by Jan-Ole Gerster, which tells the story of a tennis coach on Fuerteventura Island whose life is thrown off balance due to a visitor’s unexpected vanishing act. Also, there’s “Late Shift” by Petra Volpe, it revolves around a nurse working in an understaffed hospital, where her shift transforms into a tense battle against the clock.

Unraveling amidst rivalry, “What Marielle Knows” by Frédéric Hambalek tells the story of a pair who learn that their child inexplicably acquired psychic talents, enabling her to perceive and overhear their every move.

Similarly, “Yunan” by Ameer Fakher Eldin is also competing for the Golden Bear. This story revolves around a Syrian writer in Germany who, due to circumstances, cannot return home and contemplates suicide on a secluded North Sea island. However, he unexpectedly finds renewed hope instead.

In “Mother’s Baby” by Johanna Moder, the joyful family aspiration of Julia, aged 40, transforms into a harrowing ordeal as she encounters difficulties in forming a connection with her newly arrived baby.

In the debut Perspectives first-feature segment, “Punching the World” by Constanze Klaue unfolds a tale centered on two siblings who, during their upbringing in rural East Germany, experience the fallout of their family, limited opportunities, and eventually, brutality.

German-language films in Berlin’s Panorama sidebar include:

  • “Hysteria,” Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay’s suspenseful story of a film crew that is thrown into turmoil when a Quran goes up in flames during a movie shoot.
  • “The Good Sister,” Sarah Miro Fischer’s debut work about a young woman whose close relationship to her brother is put to the test when he is accused of rape.
  • “Welcome Home Baby,” Andreas Prochaska’s thriller about a Berlin doctor who inherits a house in Austria and sets out to investigate a mystery tied to the property.
  • “Delicious,” Nele Mueller-Stöfen’s story of a wealthy German family whose lives change with dramatic consequences during a summer holiday in Provence.
  • “Cicadas,” Ina Weisse’s drama about a woman struggling to look after her ageing parents and facing a crumbling marriage whose outlook on life changes when she meets a young mother.

In addition to Berlin, other German films scheduled for local cinemas this year include Fatih Akin’s “Amrum,” featuring Diane Kruger. This film is adapted from the autobiographical novel of screenwriter Hark Bohm, who also wrote the script. The story, set in 1945, revolves around a 12-year-old boy residing on the North Frisian Island named Amrum, situated along Germany’s North Sea coast.

Another notable feature is Bernhard Wenger’s critically acclaimed comedy “Peacock,” praised by EbMaster’s Guy Lodge as an “impressively polished and quick-witted debut.” This film stars Albrecht Schuch as a young man, who, in his career as a hired friend, finds himself navigating increasingly complex personal situations and relationships.

One of several highly anticipated sequels is “Manitou’s Canoe” by Michael Herbig, set to release 24 years following the success of his popular comedy-western “Manitou’s Shoe.

Actress-director Karoline Herfurth returns with “Wunderschöner,” the follow-up to her 2022 success “Wunderschön.” This new production continues the journey of five women as they seek contentment and wellness, shunning shallow notions of attractiveness and desirability.

Additionally, Tom Payne reappears in “The Physician II,” directed by Philipp Stölzl, as Rob Cole. This is a sequel to the director’s 2013 film version based on Noah Gordon’s historical novel.

After completing his 2023 children’s movie titled “New Tales from Pumuckl,” Marcus H. Rosenmüller is set to release “Pumuckl and the Great Misunderstanding.” This upcoming production blends animation and live-action, furthering the magical escapades of the imp character, Pumuckl.

In the role of new directors, Bernhard Jasper and Maggie Peren present “School of Magical Animals 4”, the newest addition to the highly acclaimed fantasy series. Meanwhile, Gregor Schnitzler revamps “Bibi Blocksberg” which is inspired by the beloved children’s books featuring a clever young witch.

Directors Bernhard Jasper and Maggie Peren bring us “School of Magical Animals 4”, the latest sequel in the wildly successful fantasy saga, whereas Gregor Schnitzler reimagines “Bibi Blocksberg” based on the cherished children’s books starring a spunky young witch.

Coming soon are family movies such as “Momo,” a fantasy film based on the novel by Michael Ende, written for English audiences by Christian Ditter; and “A Girl Called Willow” by Mike Marzuk, which follows the story of a young girl who inherits a mystical forest and finds out she’s a witch.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that Germany’s film scene continues to impress me with its artistic prowess. However, it’s undeniable that the local film industry is currently grappling with challenging circumstances.

Based on a recent survey by the Produktionsallianz industry association, it appears that the German film industry is grappling with an extremely challenging economic climate. Out of their 375 member companies, a staggering 77% described the current situation as “poor or very poor,” which is an increase from 56% a year ago. Notably, among those involved in fiction production, as many as 80% have observed a significant drop in orders from international streaming platforms since 2022.

Despite this, the Production Alliance warmly accepted the government’s last-minute expansion and boost of two crucial funding incentives: the German Federal Film Fund I and II, as well as the German Motion Picture Fund. These incentives now offer a production cost rebate at a higher level of 30%, which was previously set at 25%.

Peter Dinges, head of the German Federal Film Fund (FFA), which encompasses the DFFF and GMPF, expressed that this rise in funding is beneficial for German filmmakers. Until a formal subsidy law is established, this boost will aid Germany as a filming location to more effectively compete with other countries on an international scale for favorable conditions in film productions.

The incoming administration is anticipated to carry out the outstanding financial initiatives, which include a 30% tax break and mandatory investments for streaming platforms and television broadcasters.

Discussing the effect of regional funding in the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, which are well-known destinations for international filmmakers, Kirsten Niehuus, the CEO of local funder Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, stated that 2024 was a successful year. She highlighted that despite the economic recession, the production in the region continued at a high level with approximately 5,000 days of shooting.

Kirsten Niehuus, head of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, talked about how funding impacted the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, which are hotspots for international filmmakers. She mentioned that 2024 was a strong year as there were around 5,000 days of shooting, and surprisingly, production didn’t slow down even during the economic downturn.)

In 2024, our region weathered the crisis with stability, and we’re thrilled about the flourishing of the film industry here, showcasing both artistic and economic achievements. However, despite the Berlin-Brandenburg area being a strong location, the circumstances will remain tough until a competitive funding model is firmly established in Germany on an international scale.

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2025-02-13 16:18