Wim Wenders Grant
The Wim Wenders grant, in collaboration with Wim Wenders, honors innovative cinematic storytelling. The grant supports talented individuals who demonstrate outstanding creativity.
Since 2014, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and the Wim Wenders Foundation have jointly awarded the Wim Wenders Grant to promote innovative cinematic storytelling. The focus is on young filmmakers who are breaking new ground with their first or second film project and demonstrate an original narrative and visual style.
Wim Wenders, the scholarship’s namesake and jury chair, personally oversees the selection of projects. The program seeks original fictional and documentary film ideas that experiment with new forms of storytelling and pursue distinctive visual or technical approaches. The grant provides the freedom to further develop this artistic vision at an early stage.
The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW provides a total of up to 100,000 euros annually for project development. Funding is provided as a grant. The project development period lasts 12 months.
In 2026, the Wim Wenders grant will be awarded for the 13th time.
Please note:
The submission deadline for the current call for applications has already passed. The grant will be offered again in 2027.
Application Documents
- Project concept illustrating the visual and narrative vision (approx. 10 pages)
- One-Page Pitch
- Writer’s Note
- Budget for project development costs (Funding is provided for costs directly related to project development, such as writer’s fees, research, travel, or the production of a trailer. These must be listed.)
- Curriculum Vitae/Filmography of the Applicant
- Audiovisual directing portfolio
- Short Video Pitch (max. 5 min.)
Schedule an appointment
A consultation is required before submitting an application.
Please note:
The application deadline for the current call for applications has already passed. The grant will be offered again in 2027.
Contact Person for the Wim Wenders Grant
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Cher Zimmerer
Deputy Director of Funding Audio and Development Specialist
![Portraitbild von Cher Zimmerer]()
Eligibility Criteria for the Wim Wenders Grant
A grant to promote innovative cinematic storytelling in collaboration with the Wim Wenders Foundation.
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1. Residence
My primary residence is in Germany.
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Stage of Development
My project is in the early stages of development.
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New Film Concept
This is a new film concept—not based on a short film or a graduation film—that is intended to be further developed.
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1st or 2nd Film Project
This is my first or second film project (after completing my college studies) as a filmmaker.
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Directing Portfolio
I can provide a directorial portfolio project (short film, feature film, art film, etc.) that has already been realized in collaboration with partners through festival participation, broadcast, theatrical release by a distributor, etc.; an independent, no-budget production with distribution on YouTube or similar platforms is not sufficient.
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Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material, and no production company or other partner has optioned the material or has a say in my film concept.
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Not a student
I am not a student and have already completed my studies (as of the submission deadline).
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Not a producer
I am a filmmaker (producers are not eligible to apply).
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Not developed within a university setting
The project was not developed or co-developed within a university setting.
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No short films
My project is a feature-length film (short films are not eligible for funding)
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No other development funding
My project has not received any other development funding.
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No funding for the screenplay alone
I would like to use the Wim Wenders grant to develop my film idea in terms of both content and visual language (the grant is not solely for screenplay development).
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Is this grant for me?
First, please check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The Wim Wenders Grant is intended for filmmakers whose primary residence is in Germany who are developing their first or second film project and wish to explore new approaches to cinematic storytelling.
Please note:
The submission deadline for the current call for applications has already passed. The grant will be offered again in 2027.
Eligibility Criteria for the Wim Wenders Grant
A grant to promote innovative cinematic storytelling in collaboration with the Wim Wenders Foundation.
-
1. Residence
My primary residence is in Germany.
-
Stage of Development
My project is in the early stages of development.
-
New Film Concept
This is a new film concept—not based on a short film or a graduation film—that is intended to be further developed.
-
1st or 2nd Film Project
This is my first or second film project (after completing my college studies) as a filmmaker.
-
Directing Portfolio
I can provide a directorial portfolio project (short film, feature film, art film, etc.) that has already been realized in collaboration with partners through festival participation, broadcast, theatrical release by a distributor, etc.; an independent, no-budget production with distribution on YouTube or similar platforms is not sufficient.
-
Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material, and no production company or other partner has optioned the material or has a say in my film concept.
-
Not a student
I am not a student and have already completed my studies (as of the submission deadline).
-
Not a producer
I am a filmmaker (producers are not eligible to apply).
-
Not developed within a university setting
The project was not developed or co-developed within a university setting.
-
No short films
My project is a feature-length film (short films are not eligible for funding)
-
No other development funding
My project has not received any other development funding.
-
No funding for the screenplay alone
I would like to use the Wim Wenders grant to develop my film idea in terms of both content and visual language (the grant is not solely for screenplay development).
The Selection Process
Once a year, Wim Wenders, together with an advisory board, decides on the awarding of the Wim Wenders grant. The selection process consists of two stages: After reviewing the applications that have been submitted in full and by the deadline, selected projects are invited to present a live pitch to Wim Wenders and the advisory board.
