Children's Film
We support children’s and family films from development through production to distribution—for theaters and other platforms.
Types of Funding: What stage is the project in?
Creative Development
Production
Additional Funding Opportunities
The Special Children’s Film
The Film and Media Foundation NRW is a partner of the “The Special Children’s Film” initiative, which paves the way for original stories aimed at young audiences to make it to the big screen.
Creative Development
Creative Development supports the early development of fictional feature film projects—from the initial idea and research through to the screenplay.
Creative Europe
The Creative Europe Desk NRW provides information and advice on all funding opportunities offered by Creative Europe MEDIA and Cross Sector, including those for films, series, games, and XR projects.
Five Facts About Children's Film Funding
From the Initial Idea to Distribution
Strong Stories for a Young Audience
Children’s Films as a Funding Priority
North Rhine-Westphalia as a Production Location
Diversity for Children and Families
News: News on Children’s Films
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24. Verleihung Gerd Ruge Stipendium der Film- und Medienstiftung NRW
October 7, 2026
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![LAUPHEIM, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 18: <<enter caption here>> attends the Carl Laemmle Produzentenpreis 2026 (Producer Award) at Schloss Laupheim on September 18, 2026 in Laupheim, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images for Carl Laemmle UG)]()
Michael Souvignier Receives the 2026 Carl Laemmle Producer Award / The 2026 Carl Laemmle VFF Talent Award Goes to Paulina Lorenz, Jorgo Narjes, and Faraz Shariat for “Staatsschutz”
September 19, 2026
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Four films funded by the German Film Foundation are currently in the running for the 2026 Oscar shortlist
September 14, 2026
Events
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A get-together for producers and broadcasters from the TV industry to discuss new developments, exchange ideas, and launch projects. In cooperation with MBB.
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New York, New York! Every year, the FMS sends a delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia to the International Emmys in New York to represent the state there.
![Atmosphere at the 53rd International Emmy® Awards, November 24, 2025 in New York City.]()
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Once a year, Wim Wenders and the FMS seek out the most innovative film ideas. After the pitching phase, we invite the scholarship recipients to the award ceremony and connect them with experts.
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FMS-Funded Children's Films
The School of Magical Animals 4
Production Funding
€300,000- Director:
- Bernhard Jasper, Maggie Peren
- Screenplay:
- Nicole Armbruster, Alexandra Kordes, Mirjam Müntefering, Thorsten Näter, based on the children’s book series by Margit Auer
- Production:
- Kordes & Kordes Film Süd
- Co-production:
- LEONINE Studios, among others
- Distribution:
- LEONINE
- Cast:
- Emilia Maier, Loris Sichrovsky, Tomomi Themann, Thilo Fridolin Matthes, Purnima Grätz, Emilia Pieske, Milan Peschel, Justus von Dohnányi, and others
Woodwalkers 2
Production and Distribution Funding
€480,000- Director:
- Sven Unterwaldt
- Screenplay:
- David Sandreuter, based on the novel series by Katja Brandis
- Production:
- blue eyes Fiction
- Co-production:
- Dor Film Produktion, Filmvergnuegen, Potemkino, and others
- Distributor:
- Studiocanal
- Cast:
- Emile Chérif, Lilli Falk, Johan von Ehrlich, Oliver Masucci, Martina Gedeck, Hannah Herzsprung, Moritz Bleibtreu, Lucas Gregorowicz, and others
Mission Ulja Funk
Screenplay, Production, and Distribution Funding
600,000 €- Director:
- Barbara Kronenberg
- Screenplay:
- Barbara Kronenberg
- Production:
- In Good Company
- Co-production:
- Samsa Film, ShipsBoy
- Broadcaster Participation:
- MDR
- Distributor:
- farbfilm verleih
- World Distribution:
- Picture Tree International
- Cast:
- Romy Lou Janinhoff, Jonas Oeßel, Hildegardt Schroedter, Luc Feit, and others
