Best news first: MOIN Film Fund’s budget has been increased by ten million euros for 2025 and 2026. This is a strong signal from the City of Hamburg – and well-deserved recognition for Northern Germany’s international film successes. In 2024, MOIN contributed to Germany’s Oscar® submission for the second consecutive year: Following the Oscar® success of “The Teachers' Lounge” by İlker Çatak, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” – after winning four awards in Cannes – was nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards. 

Want to come aboard? Then set your compass to MOIN’s course. We’ll see you in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein – in the following pages of our current annual report.

MOIN Film Fund’s budget will increase by ten million euros for 2025 and 2026 – a significant development during challenging industry conditions!

How one euro became three. In 2024, each funding euro generated over three euros of regional investment. How’s that? All funded productions must spend at least 150% of their funding amount in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Most even exceed this requirement – in 2024, reaching 315% of total funding.

Following “The Teachers’ Lounge,” İlker Çatak's new drama “Yellow Letters” was filmed over 27 shooting days almost entirely in Hamburg. Fatih Akin shot his film “Amrum”, which will celebrate its world premiere in Cannes, largely in Schleswig-Holstein. Danish Hollywood-actor Dar Salim filmed the drama “Hercules Falling” in Hamburg-Reinbek. Hollywood also visited Schleswig-Holstein in 2024, with director Robert Schwentke filming several days with James McAvoy on Sylt.

Audiences at the Berlinale 2025 who witnessed the striking Hallig island in the competition film “Yunan” understand why Schleswig-Holstein belongs on the big screen. Similarly, the competition entry “Mother’s Baby” showcased Hamburg’s magnificent Elbphilharmonie. The North and its stories truly shine on the cinema screen – which is why we allocated 6.8 million euros, the majority of our funding budget, to theatrical productions.

2024 marked an exceptional year for northern German series: “Black Fruit” by Lamin Leroy Gibba, filmed entirely in Hamburg, premiered at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival and launched on the ARD Mediathek in fall 2024. The “Nordlichter” emerging talent program, our collaboration with NDR and nordmedia since 2014, saw two series – “Festmachen” and “Player of Ibiza” – win Grimme Awards. Currently, Studio Hamburg’s “The Next Level” starring Lisa Vicari can be seen on ARD.

In 2024, NEST launched our next chapter in content development: Rather than traditional screenplay funding, we engage at the concept stage. Whether it’s feature films, series, documentaries, or innovative formats – every successful project begins with a strong idea. We provide support when possibilities are still open but potential is evident.

Our first full NEST year invested 1.26 million euros across 36 projects – averaging 9,000 euros more per project compared to traditional funding. Our direction is clear: prioritizing quality through early, individualized support with increased financial commitment.

Germany, here we come! Following our successful pilot phase, our platform OMNI Inclusion Data is now available to all production companies, funding institutions, TV and streaming broadcasters since the Berlinale 2025. OMNI consists of a straightforward, quick online survey enabling cast and crew to provide GDPR-compliant data. This information is collected, analyzed, and published regularly in anonymous reports.

It’s been an eventful year beyond funding decisions. Our MOIN Talents program now provides year-long mentoring for emerging talent. MOIN Kino featured Hamburg personalities including HVV CEO Anna-Theresa Korbutt, Mayor Peter Tschentscher, and FC St. Pauli’s Esin Rager presenting their favorite films in their favorite cinemas. Meanwhile, our GetOnSet crew training program launched its fourth edition.