For the twelfth time, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is the main partner of the Berlinale Series Market (16–19 February 2026), which takes place as part of the European Film Market (EFM). As a key platform for international series projects, the Berlinale Series Market brings together producers, broadcasters, streamers and creatives from around the world. The Film Foundation thus once again underlines its long-term commitment to North Rhine-Westphalia as a series production hub and to international exchange.
The fantasy drama series “All Heroes Are Bastards” will be presented in the Berlinale Series Market Selects. Developed by Esra and Patrick Phul, the series tells the story of three social outsiders who gain superpowers through a mysterious artefact and must decide whether to protect their community or use their new abilities for personal gain. The series is produced by Picture Me Rollin’ GmbH and btf GmbH with ARD Degeto as broadcasting partner and was shot entirely in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW supported the project with €1.3 million.
The thriller drama series “Westend Girl” will be featured in the Up Next: Germany presentation. Directed by Pola Beck and Stefan Schaller, the series tells of the sudden collapse of a privileged youth in Düsseldorf after the parents of 18-year-old Ronja Huck are arrested for organised drug trafficking. The series is produced by Flare Film and Cactus Films in co-production with WDR and ARTE. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW supported the production with €900,000.
At the “Focus Germany stand” at the European Film Market in the Gropius Bau, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW will once again present the location together with the other eight regional film funding bodies. Visitors to the European Film Market are warmly invited.
