1,000 guests from the film industry and politics celebrate creativity and North Rhine-Westphalian filmmaking at the NRW reception during the Berlinale

The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia and Film- und Medienstiftung NRW hosted the 23rd NRW Reception at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Berlin – eleven NRW-funded productions in the Berlinale programme

At the traditional NRW Reception on the occasion of the Berlinale, the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia and Film- und Medienstiftung NRW invited guests on the first Sunday of the festival to the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the Federal Government in Berlin. More than 1,000 guests from film, media, politics and culture came together. The focus was on numerous prominent figures and international filmmakers, as well as film teams of NRW-funded productions celebrating their world premieres at the Berlinale, currently enjoying successful cinema runs, or about to begin shooting.

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, political representatives and new media, underscoring the importance of North Rhine-Westphalia as a strong and well-connected film and media hub. At the same time, Film- und Medienstiftung NRW celebrates its 35th anniversary this month.

Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia:
“North Rhine-Westphalia is a state of cultural diversity and compelling stories – something that becomes evident every year at the Berlinale. Whether comedy, series or crime drama: nowhere in Germany is more film and television produced than in North Rhine-Westphalia. Films create spaces for freedom of expression, dissent and democratic discourse. Especially in times when extremism and hostility toward others threaten our open society, this is indispensable. Art and culture strengthen social cohesion and defend the values of our democracy. For 35 years, Film- und Medienstiftung NRW has been our central player for a creative and diverse media industry. It strengthens international cooperation and intercultural exchange.”

Walid Nakschbandi, CEO of Film- und Medienstiftung NRW:
“Diversity, quality, openness and courage – these qualities characterise filmmaking in North Rhine-Westphalia, which can once again be experienced at this year’s Berlinale. With eleven productions at the festival, including two in Competition, NRW presents itself to the world at an international level. The NRW Reception, hosted together with the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a highlight of the Berlinale days and one of the festival’s most important and largest industry gatherings. We are delighted about this tradition, about encounters, inspiring conversations and, last but not least, celebrating together. Our spotlight is always on our filmmakers – and this year also on 35 years of Filmstiftung in NRW.”

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

Eleven NRW-funded productions in the Berlinale programme

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

Overview of the films and series:

Competition
“Rose”
“Rosebush Pruning”

Berlinale Special Gala Premiere
“Die Blutgräfin”

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

Retrospective
“Run Lola Run”

Opening Film Competition / Baumi Scholarship
“No Good Men”

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

Up Next: Germany
“Westend Girl”