1,000 guests from the film and political worlds celebrated creativity and North Rhine-Westphalian filmmaking at the NRW reception during the Berlinale

The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film and Media Foundation NRW hosted the 23rd NRW Reception at the State Representation in Berlin—eleven funded productions from NRW featured in the Berlinale program

On the first Sunday of the festival,the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film and Media Foundation NRW hostedthe traditional NRW Reception on the occasion of the Berlinale at the State Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin. More than 1,000 guests from the film, media, political, and cultural sectors gathered. The event featured many prominent figures and international filmmakers, as well as film crews from NRW-funded productions that are celebrating their world premieres at the Berlinale, are currently playing successfully in theaters, or are set to begin filming shortly.

This year marked the 23rd edition of the NRW reception, which has established itself as one of the most important industry gatherings during the festival. It brings together filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, politicians, and new media representatives, underscoring North Rhine-Westphalia’s significance as a strong, well-connected hub for film and media. The Film and Media Foundation is also celebrating its 35th anniversarythis month .

Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: “North Rhine-Westphalia is a state of cultural diversity and captivating stories—this becomes clear every year at the Berlinale. Whether it’s comedy, series, or crime dramas: nowhere in Germany is as much produced for film and television as in North Rhine-Westphalia. Films create spaces forfreedom of expression, dissent, and democratic discourse. This is indispensable, especially in times when extremism and misanthropy threaten our open society. Art and culture strengthen social cohesion and defend the values of our democracy. For 35 years, the Film and Media Foundation NRW has been our key player in fostering a creative and diverse media industry. It strengthens international cooperation and intercultural exchange.”

Walid Nakschbandi, Executive Director of the Film and Media Foundation NRW: “Diversity, quality, openness, and courage—these qualities define filmmaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, which can once again be experienced at this year’s Berlinale. With eleven productions in the festival—two of which are in competition—North Rhine-Westphalia presents itself to a global audience at an international level. The NRW Reception, hosted by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a highlight of the Berlinale and one of the festival’s most important and largest industry gatherings. We look forward to this tradition, to encounters, inspiring conversations, and, last but not least, to celebrating together. We always shine the spotlight on our filmmakers and, this year, also on the Filmstiftung in NRW’s35th anniversary .”

The first photos from the NRW Reception are available at the following link and will be updated throughout the day: https://www.picdrop.com/filmundmedienstiftungnrw/nrwempfang2026

Eleven Funded Productions from NRW in the Berlinale Program

Nine films and two TV series from North Rhine-Westphalia will be screened at the Berlinale in 2026. The cast and crew of the film teams appeared on the red carpet at the State Representation, including the team behind the competition entry “Rose” with Caro Braun, Godehard Giese, and director Markus Schleinzer (row film), as well as “Die Blutgräfin” (Heimatfilm), which premieres at the festival tonight. Director Ulrike Ottinger was accompanied by Thomas Schubert and Bettina Brokemper. Cast and crew members from currently funded film projects also attended the reception and were welcomed by Minister President Hendrik Wüst and Film Foundation Executive Director Walid Nakschbandi, including Elyas M’Barek, Veronica Ferres, Moritz Führmann, Christian Berkel, Laura Tonke, Fahri Yardim , and many others.Also in attendance wereproducers Jonas Dornbach and Janine Jackowski (“Ach diese Lücke…”), who were recently honored at the European Film Awards , Alice Brauner (“Block 10”), Sandra Maischberger (“Roland,” “Riefenstahl”), and director Caroline Link (“Die Jahre mit Dir”) also attended the reception.

An overview of the films and series:

“Rose” “Rosebush Pruning”   

Berlinale Special Gala Premiere , “The Blood Countess”  

Panorama “Two Mountains Weighing Down My Chest”  “Staatsschutz” “The Education of Jane Cumming” “Narciso”

Retrospective “Run Lola Run”

Opening Film of the Competition / Baumi Grant “No Good Men”

Berlinale Series Market and Conference / Berlinale Series Market Selects “All Heroes Are Bastards”

Up Next: Germany “Westend Girl”

For more information, visit: Film- und Medienstiftung NRW: presse@filmstiftung.de / Instagram and LinkedIn State of North Rhine-Westphalia: www.land.nrw.de, mbeim.nrw/nrw-berlin, Instagram and X,pressestelle@lv-bund.nrw.de