Graduation Film

We support students at film schools in North Rhine-Westphalia in producing their graduation films and on their path to a professional career in filmmaking.

Types of Funding: What stage is the project in?

Production

Five Facts About Funding for Graduation Films

The Graduation Project Becomes a Film Project

Graduation film funding supports students at accredited film schools in North Rhine-Westphalia in realizing their graduation film projects and making the transition from their studies to the professional film industry.

Diverse Cinematic Styles

Funding is provided for graduation films of various forms and genres—and thus for projects in which filmmakers can develop and showcase their own narrative and visual styles.

Funding in the Form of a Grant

Funding is provided as a grant and generally amounts to up to 20,000 euros or a maximum of 80% of the costs.

Spotlight on Talents from North Rhine-Westphalia

Through its graduation film funding program, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW supports emerging filmmakers at the state’s film schools and assists talents at the start of their professional careers.

A dedicated jury makes the decision

A dedicated jury decides on the submitted graduation film projects. There are typically two submission deadlines per year.

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.

Creative Europe MEDIA →

Application Portal

Submit a Funding Application Online

Have you found the right grant and checked all the requirements? You can submit your grant application digitally through our application portal.

Go to the Application Portal →

Events

  • GERMAN MIP COCKTAIL

    A get-together for producers and broadcasters from the TV industry to discuss new developments, exchange ideas, and launch projects. In cooperation with MBB.

  • FMS @ iEmmys

    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.

  • Wim Wenders Grant

    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.

News: News about the Graduation Film

FMS-Funded Graduation Films

Milch ins Feuer

Graduation Film Grant

€20,000
University:
Cologne University of Applied Sciences for Media (KHM)
Director and Screenplay:
Justine Bauer
Production:
Sweet Godless Turtle Film Productions, Cologne University of Applied Sciences for Media Arts
Producers:
Semih Korhan Güner, Justine Bauer, Pedro Carnicer
Distribution:
Filmperlen
Cast:
Karolin Nothacker, Johanna Wokalek, Pauline Bullinger, Anne Nothacker, Sara Nothacker, Simon Steinhorst, and others

O Chale

Graduation Film Grant

€20,000
University:
ifs International Film School Cologne
Director and Concept:
Jan Hendrik Lübbers
Production:
ifs International Film School Cologne
Producer:
Julius Nerlich
Cast:
Barnabas Kwaku Tinkorang, Atika Jumaih Bashiru, Raphael Kpakpo Allotey, Garvin Ahialey

Tomorrow Somewhere by the Sea

Graduation Film Grant

€20,000
University:
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences
Director and Screenplay:
Patrick Büchting, based on the novel of the same name by Adriana Popescu
Production:
Patrick Büchting / Dortmund University of Applied Sciences
Distribution:
Cangerfilms
Cast:
Carlotta Weide, Jonas Kaufmann, Louie Betton, Sophia Münster

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