Audio Funding: Film- und Medienstiftung NRW Awards a Total of 10,000 Euros to Support High-Quality Documentaries

In its current funding round, the Film and Media Foundation NRW is supporting two documentary audio formats with a total of 10,000 euros: Funding has been awarded to the podcast “Hereinspaziert” (working title) by Shari Jung and the documentary feature “Schule kann auch Brass machen” (working title) by Yannick Lehn. Both are high-quality audio projects that open up social perspectives, bring people closer together, and shed light on stories and communities that often remain hidden in everyday life.

With journalistic precision, a nuanced perspective, and emotional intimacy, the funded projects further explore the potential of documentary storytelling in audio. By engaging with aspects of life and people previously unknown to listeners, the funded concepts focus on shifting perspectives, attitude, and the power of listening.

Cher Zimmerer, Deputy Director of Grants and Head of Development & Audio at the Film and Media Foundation NRW: “Audio tells stories more intimately than almost any other medium—it’s the people, places, and worlds that move us. That open our eyes. The two funded projects are excellent examples of how powerfully documentary storytelling can resonate in the medium of audio: close to people, socially relevant, and with an eye for extraordinary stories. It is precisely these kinds of high-quality projects that we aim to support through our audio funding program.”

Documentary Audio Formats (2 projects)

HEREINSPAZIERT (AT) Shari Jung, Cologne – Concept: 5,000 euros

This documentary podcast transports listeners into worlds that are normally off-limits to them. Each episode follows a person caught between two conflicting realities and invites listeners to question their own perspectives on other ways of life. Emotional, relatable, and journalistic.

SCHULE KANN AUCH BRASS MACHEN (AT) Yannick Lehn, Berlin – Concept: 5,000 euros

Querbeat, Druckluft, Knallblech, and BrassGazz: Four brass bands with a combined total of 3.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, all formed at the same high school in Bonn. The focus is on music teacher Erhard Rau (65). This documentary feature highlights the difference a music teacher can make for students.

Next Submission Deadlines for 2026

The next submission deadline for audio funding is July 2, 2026. For more information on funding criteria, the submission process, and the individual funding modules, visit: www.filmstiftung.de/foerderung/audiofoerderung