Think Visionary, Tell Stories Through Film

For the twelfth time, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is announcing the Wim Wenders grant, as always in collaboration with the Wim Wenders Foundation. In 2025, a total of 100,000 euros, provided by the Film Foundation, will once again be awarded. After reviewing the submissions, Wim Wenders will decide on the award of the grants and support the projects in which he sees the greatest potential for developing new forms of storytelling.

Mirko Derpmann (Creative Director at Scholz & Friends), Walid Nakschbandi (Managing Director of the Film and Media Foundation NRW), and Hella Wenders (Co-Managing Director of the Wim Wenders Foundation) will serve as advisors to him during the evaluation of the projects and in the personal selection interviews.

The prestigious grant has been awarded annually since 2014 and supports young filmmakers—particularly those from North Rhine-Westphalia as well as from across Germany—in developing original fictional and documentary film ideas. Concepts that demonstrate outstanding creativity receive targeted support.

Priority is given to projects that dare to explore innovative narrative forms and visual designs through a distinctive visual language and unique technical means. Applications may be submitted to the Film and Media Foundation NRW no later than Friday, June 6, 2025.

Eligible applicants include graduates of film schools who wish to develop their first or second film after graduation, as well as filmmakers whose projects demonstrate compelling new forms of artistic expression. Production companies are excluded from receiving funding under this grant.

Development Officer Cher Zimmerer is available to conduct the substantive application consultation required prior to submission to the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. (To schedule an appointment, email: cher.zimmerer@filmstiftung.de)