Change of Location! The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is moving to Cologne
The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW will be relocating for the first time since it was founded by moving to Cologne at the beginning of 2025. This has just been announced at a press conference in Cologne’s City Hall by NRW’s Media Minister and Head of the State Chancellery Nathanael Liminski, Cologne’s Lord Mayor Henriette Reker and the Filmstiftung’s CEO Walid Nakschbandi. The new address of the Film- und Medienstiftung will in future have the postcode 50667 instead of 40221: all of the staff will move to the 5th floor of the ‘Deichmannhaus’ on the station square, located in the immediate vicinity of the River Rhine, the cathedral and the main railway station.
Walid Nakschbandi, CEO of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW:
"We are leaving Düsseldorf with mixed feelings. 33 years after the fund was launched now sees us moving up the Rhine to Germany’s number one media capital, and we’re really looking forward to the new location in Cologne’s city centre between the River Rhine, the cathedral and the main railway station. But we are also especially looking forward to the new neighbours: the many producers, gamers and creators and, last but not least, the major TV broadcasters. My special thanks go to the Lord Mayor Henriette Reke, who has gone to great lengths to help the Filmstiftung and always been resolute in supporting us. However, the ties to Düsseldorf will not be severed; a large number of our employees and also one of our two main shareholders, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, are based in the state capital. We will ensure that there is inspiring dialogue and creative cooperation between the two Rhineland rivals."
Henriette Reker, Lord Mayor of the City of Cologne:
"The relocation of the Film- und Medienstiftung is a significant milestone in the process of strengthening Cologne’s position as a media hub. Locating one of Germany’s most important film funding institutions in our city is a promise of positive synergies in various areas of the media industry for the many creative professionals who are living and working here. A new location is always associated with new momentum and a breath of fresh air. I’m excited about the many projects, opportunities and creative approaches we’ll be able to observe and experience here in the future. I am convinced that this landmark decision for film and media policy will offer an incredible number of opportunities for Cologne as well as for North Rhine-Westphalia. The move by the Film- und Medienstiftung means that now what belongs together will grow together in the media capital of Cologne."
Media Minister Nathanael Liminski:
"Bye bye Düsseldorf, hello Cologne! One of Germany’s leading regional film funds will be moving this autumn into new premises at the foot of the cathedral, in the heart of Cologne. Cologne is the leading media city in Germany. The move will bring the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW even closer to creative professionals and consolidate its position as a close partner of the North Rhine-Westphalian media industry. I would like to thank the City of Cologne for its continued support throughout the entire relocation process and look forward together with Walid Nakschbandi to many years at the new place of work."
Tom Buhrow, Director General of WDR:
"The change of location for the Filmstiftung NRW means that we are all moving one step closer together – and that’s good news because it has never been more important to enshrine North Rhine-Westphalia’s media diversity in the digital sphere: as a highly interconnected and innovative industry adapting to the needs of our audience as well as to the international competition. We at WDR are pleased that we’ll be able to continue counting on this indispensable support in future."
Dr Norbert Himmler, Director General of ZDF:
"North Rhine-Westphalia is a major player in the film and television business. ZDF also benefits from this: We like shooting at locations in NRW and with the local production companies. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is a strong partner for us when it comes to our various films, series and productions by newcomers."
Stephan Schmitter, CEO RTL Germany:
"As a Cologne-based media company, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the Filmstiftung NRW on its move to the cathedral city and are really looking forward to the neighbourly cooperation. Cologne offers an excellent infrastructure and a wonderful creative atmosphere for film and media professionals."
Picture: Beitragsbild: Costa Belibasakis / City of Cologne