The FILMFEST HAMBURG INDUSTRY DAYS are presenting the programme of the new event series MADE IN GERMANY. This series addresses current topics of the German film and media industry and invites participants to engage in exchange. The programme includes topics such as financing, storytelling, collaboration with broadcasters, and equal opportunities.

 

From September 29 to October 2, 2025, FILMFEST HAMBURG will host the significantly expanded FILMFEST HAMBURG INDUSTRY DAYS. Under the title MADE IN GERMANY, current issues specifically relevant to the German film and television market will be in the spotlight across four afternoons – with exciting discussions followed by opportunities for networking. Compact, dynamic, and bundled at a new location: the Mozartsaal, directly adjacent to the festival cinema Cinemaxx Dammtor.

 

Fabian Massah, Head of FILMFEST HAMBURG INDUSTRY DAYS: »Together with strong partner organizations, we are presenting a program in the MADE IN GERMANY series that inspires, motivates, and provides concrete impulses. Our aim is not only to discuss and network on stage, but also to generate ideas that have an impact. The challenges in our industry are well known, and together we can – and must – shape the future.«

 

FROM PRIVATE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

A central cooperation partner again this year is MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, which will contribute several program items: In collaboration with the media law firms GRAEF, UNVERZAGT, and VON HAVE FEY, the panel discussion on »Private Capital« and its applicability in Germany will examine the structural prerequisites for equity investments and the criteria for sustainable financing models. Together with the Green Actors Lounge, it will also present the panel »Between Stance and Zeitgeist«, focusing on the development of contemporary narratives – including actress and Green Actors Lounge ambassador Mina Tander. In a joint conversation with outstanding personalities from acting, directing, and production, MOIN and the Deutsche Filmakademie will highlight current issues, trends, and personal insights.

 

NEW PERSPECTIVES

 

The panel discussion »The Next 12 Months« by LUMI addresses the question of how diverse films and series can continue to be supported and produced in Germany despite political, financial, and technological pressures. The initiative for visibility, access, and underrepresented storytelling will bring producing and creative voices from Germany’s BIPoC film community to the stage. Concretely, selected project pitches for series and films by BIPoC filmmakers will follow.

 

What opportunities arise when women rethink film distribution? WIFT Germany (Women in Film and Television) will explore the future of distribution together with female industry experts. Producer Verena Gräfe-Höft (Junafilm) will discuss this with Vanessa Ciszewski (Luftkind Film Distribution), Ninette Christensen (Warner Bros. Entertainment), and Julia Peters (jip Film).

Fair filmmaking is possible! The Fair Play Film + Culture initiative aims to prove just that, advocating for dialogical leadership, teamwork on equal footing, trusted representatives, and safe spaces on sets. After a keynote, initiator Christine von Fragstein will discuss best-practice models and approaches for fairer collaboration in film productions with participants.

 

TELEVISION OF TOMORROW

 

What kind of content does tomorrow’s TV need to inspire audiences with originality, attract young viewers, and retain loyal audiences? This will be discussed by Timo Hempel (ARD Degeto Film) in a panel organized by Deutsche Akademie für Fernsehen (DAFF) with industry experts.

 

At least 50% of broadcasting fees must go into programming! This was the demand of producers and associations in October 2024 regarding the new State Media Treaty. What progress has been made on the »Reform 50+« since then? A status update with Bettina Schoeller Bouju (Head of Televisionen, FILMFEST HAMBURG), Julia Maier-Hauff (Managing Director, PROG Producers of Germany), and Christian Lex (Writer, Screenwriters Guild pf Germany).

 

Degeto CEO Thomas Schreiber and Hamburg state parliament member Hansjörg Schmidt (NDR Broadcasting Council) will join actress Esther Roling to discuss decision-making processes in fiction – presented by Bundesverband Schauspiel (BFFS).

 

In addition to the program content, there will be networking opportunities every day, hosted by various festival partners. All dates, speakers, and further information will be continuously updated at filmfesthamburg.de/industry.

 

Participation in the MADE IN GERMANY series is open to all accredited industry visitors of FILMFEST HAMBURG. Industry Accreditation and Industry Accreditation PLUS (including access to the EXPLORER KONFERENZ and IFDS) are available online until September 17.