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Pre-Berlinale Panel Discussion – Animation & VFX in Baden-Württemberg

Invitation to the Pre-Berlinale panel discussion on Animation & VFX in Baden-Württemberg, taking place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 on the eve of this year’s Berlinale (February 12 to 22, 2026), at the Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg beim Bund

Over the past years, Baden-Württemberg has developed into one of Europe’s leading hubs for animation and visual effects. International successes, renowned studios, and excellent training and educational institutions have turned the region into a hotspot of creative innovation.

Under the theme “Zurück in die Zukunft: Wohin steuert Deutschlands führender Animations- und VFX-Standort?” (“Back to the Future: Where Is Germany’s Leading Animation and VFX Hub Heading?”), the discussion will focus on key questions shaping the future of the industry: How can Baden-Württemberg maintain its leading position? What conditions are needed to foster an innovative, resilient, and internationally competitive sector? And what role do politics, education, networks, and funding structures play in this context?

On the eve of the Berlinale, these questions will be addressed by the panel guests Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst des Landes Baden-Württemberg, Carl Bergengruen, Managing Dirctor of the Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG), Stefanie Larson, Manager of the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Gerd Nefzer, special effects artist and multiple Academy Award winner, and Wiebke Wiesner, Deputy Managing Director of the Produktionsallianz.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andreas Bareiß, Director of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 18:00 to 21:30 CET
Venue: Vertretung des Landes Baden-Württemberg beim Bund, Tiergartenstraße 15 in 10785 Berlin 
Organized by Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS) and FMX – Film & Media Exchange

Further information and registration

https://stm.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/vertretung-beim-bund/veranstaltungen-und-gaestehaus/veranstaltungskalender

Please note that seating is limited.

GGJ goes THE LÄND: Kokolores Ludwigsburg

Global Game Jam goes THE LÄND 2026 – From January 26 to February 1, 2026, it’s time to design, code, and create amazing things once again: the Global Game Jam, the world’s largest game event, is coming to THE LÄND! Game studios, companies, universities, associations, and (cultural) institutions in Baden-Württemberg are organizing their own “sites” – locations where local game jams take place – often in collaboration with other stakeholders from their region. GGJ goes THE LÄND is coordinated by MFG Baden-Württemberg & Games BW and funded by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg, in partnership with game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e.V. Baden-Württemberg. The goal: to strengthen cooperation and expertise in game development, game design, and game art – regionally, interdisciplinarily, and across university and company boundaries.

The Kokolores Creative Collective e.V., in cooperation with the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and the Wirtschaftsförderung Ludwigsburg, is also taking part. GGJ goes THE LÄND: Kokolores Ludwigsburg will take place from Monday, January 26 to Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Filmgalerie of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Akademiehof 10, 71638 Ludwigsburg.
There are still free spots available. Registration and further information can be found here.

Poster GGJ goes THE LÄND – Kokolores Ludwigsburg

Further sites of GGJ goes THE LÄND (including Heilbronn, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, and the Lake Constance region) can be found here: https://hola.mfg.de/

In addition, GGJ26 @ Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart will take place at the Stuttgart City Library with Chasing Carrots from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. Further information and registration can be found here.

Last Call Funding Program CO.VISION

Image: Co.Vision, MFG Baden-Württemberg

The new cross-innovation program CO.VISION by MFG Baden-Württemberg – funded by the Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus – brings together the cultural and creative industries, start-ups, and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from all sectors. Its aim is to build cross-sector alliances that demonstrate how innovation thrives through collaboration. Because the future emerges where diverse perspectives meet – where design and creativity intersect with engineering, where coding and game design connect with health, urban development, and mobility, or where artists collaborate with SMEs.

Until January 11, 2026, companies and associations from the creative industries and the wider economy can submit their project ideas. The program is seeking cross-innovative projects that present new solutions for innovative value chains and social resilience in Baden-Württemberg. Up to nine pilot projects will be funded, each receiving up to €20,000 (covering a maximum of 50% of total project costs). However, CO.VISION offers far more than just financial support: an accompanying support program featuring workshops, networking formats, and a final showcase event increases the visibility of the projects – and empowers participants to become multipliers of a new culture of innovation.

Submitted projects should be aligned with five future-oriented fields that the state of Baden-Württemberg has defined as key areas of action for tomorrow’s value creation:

  • Mobility & Transport: Creative approaches to sustainable mobility, logistics, and industrial transformation
  • People & Society: Digital creativity for education, participation, and resilience
  • Materials & Resources: Smart materials, circular economy, and sustainable production
  • Mechanical Engineering & Robotics: Human-centered innovations and new interfaces between industry and design
  • Cyber, Services & Security: Creative solutions for digital security, trust, and democracy

Eligible to apply are cultural and creative professionals, start-ups, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized companies from all sectors that implement their pilot projects in partnership. These partnerships may already be in place but can also be further developed and strengthened over the course of the program. Key requirements include an interdisciplinary approach, a clearly identifiable creative contribution, and a strong willingness to innovate and collaborate. The lead applicants must be based in Baden-Württemberg.

Further information and application (deadline: January 11, 2026): https://co-vision.mfg.de/

Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg

Filmschau BW 2025

The winners of the Baden-Württemberg Film Awards 2025 were announced last week. The awards of the 31. Filmschau Baden-Württemberg were presented during a festive ceremony at the Kulturlounge Dürnitz in the Altes Schloss in Stuttgart. AMCRS members were also honored.

All winners Filmschau BW 2025 (Photo: Filmschau BW)
Award Ceremony Filmschau BW 2025 (Photo: MFG)

Oscar Jacobson, a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut, was awarded the Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the Animation Film category for “Undying Pain of Existence.”

Statement Jury Animation Film (Nina Prange (Creative Producer), Regina Welker (Animation Director), and Sveta Yuferova (Animation Director)):
“The films nominated this year demonstrate a remarkable diversity of visual signatures, techniques, and narrative approaches. Alongside student works, there are independent productions whose production conditions could hardly be more different. The winning film impresses with its visual language, through which the direction translates self-control and the subsequent loss of control into powerful images.”

The Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the VFX Studios category goes to artists Peter Lames (a graduate of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut), Apollonia Hartmann, and David Anastacio of Accenture Song Content Germany in Stuttgart for “Dune – Prophecy” by Anna Foerster. The team had received Line Producer funding from the MFG.

Statement Jury VFX Studios (Jan Adamczyk (Professor at Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart), Johanna Manz (VFX Producer), and Julia Smola (VFX Producer / HoP BigHugFX)):
“What stood out to us about “Dune”, in addition to the first-class quality of the visual effects, was above all the immense complexity, the elaborate development of the look, and the precise design. The visual effects integrate seamlessly into the demanding, iconic look of the “Dune” universe and enhance its visual power in an impressive way. For us, one thing is clear: something truly unique and extraordinary has been created here. The complex asset posed an enormous challenge -and it was mastered in a remarkable manner. We warmly congratulate Accenture Song on this outstanding project and on the well-deserved award.”

For “Habt ihr den gesehen” by Anton Kleinert, the artists David Schubert, Lia Bauer, and Katrin Wohnhas (all from Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart) received the Baden-Württemberg Film Award in the VFX Students category.

Statement Jury VFX Students (Heiko Burkardsmaier (VFX Executive Producer, Head of Business + Legal Affairs, Accenture Song VFX), Johanna Manz (VFX Producer), and Julia Smola (VFX Producer / HoP BigHugFX)):
“This project demonstrates in an outstanding way that the use of visual effects has been truly understood. The effects support the story being told in a subtle and effective manner without drawing attention to themselves, and they blend seamlessly into the scenery. In terms of quality, the VFX work is executed so excellently that even experienced professionals would hardly have noticed in some places what had been added without the breakdown – and that is exactly how it should be. At the same time, it is clear that the effort was not reduced to a minimum, but realized with great commitment and genuine passion. The attention to detail and the many creative ideas make the image come alive, atmospheric, and visually engaging.”

Sources and further information: Press Release Filmschau BW | Website Filmschau BW | News MFG

The Undying Pain of Existence (Credits: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg)
Habt ihr den gesehen (Credits: Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart)

The Creators Pitch Lab on January 21, 2026

Are you working on an idea for a game, an animated series, or an animated short film? Are you convinced of its potential and wondering when the right people will finally listen? Do you live in Baden-Württemberg?

Then the Creators Pitch Lab is your chance! On January 21, 2026, you can present your idea to experienced industry professionals, gain valuable insights from their expertise, and receive honest feedback to help you develop your vision and move it forward professionally. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to make valuable connections within the industry.

Secure your slot for the pitch now – we can’t wait to hear your idea!

Register by January 16, 2026 via contact@amcrs.de (time slots will be assigned).

Venue: MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft BW, Breitscheidstr. 4, 70174 Stuttgart

Organized by the AMCRS.

Download Flyer

Calls for Entries ITFS 2026 – German Animation Screenplay Award, Animated Games Award and Trickstar Business Award

The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) 2026 will take place from May 5 to 10, 2026. It focuses on artistic animated films and the promotion of young talent. In addition to the feature film competition (submission deadline January 15, 2026), additional categories are now open for submissions: the German Animation Screenplay Award, the Animated Games Award Germany, and the Trickstar Business Award.

The German Animation Screenplay Award recognises outstanding screenplays for feature-length animated films. The goal of the competition is to honor the central role of professional screenwriters in the creation of outstanding films and to encourage the development of exceptional stories for animated films.

The Award for the Best Screenplay for a Feature-Length Animated Film comes with €2,500, sponsored by the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS).

The Award for the Screenplay with the Greatest International Market Potential is endowed with €2,500, sponsored by our CREATORS from SOLA MEDIA.

For the best screenplay award submissions are possible in German and English, for the market potential award submissions are only possible in English. 
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026 | Regulations | Submit here

The two awards will be presented on May 7, 2026, as part of the AniX Awards.

Stefanie Larson with Peter Keydel, Producer of the Best Screenplay at ITFS 2025, “Miss December and the Moon Clan”
Jens Opatz (Authors) and Matthias Drescher (Author, Producer): Winner Screenplay with the Greatest International Market Potential ITFS 2025, “Nessie Junior“

The Animated Games Award Germany is endowed with €5,000 and is sponsored by MFG Baden-Württemberg. It targets developers of high-quality video games who have their primary or secondary residence in Germany.

Eligible for submission are completed games for commercially available platforms that were released after January 1, 2025. The top five games will be nominated for the GameZone and showcased to the public during the event.
Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026 |  Regulations | Submit here

The Trickstar Business Award honours the best innovative and groundbreaking business model for a particular project or a company in the field of animation. The prize of €7,500 is sponsored by the Verband Region Stuttgart and will be awarded on May 7, 2026, as part of the AniX Awards.

Submission Deadline: February 25, 2026 | Regulations | Submit here

Winner Animated Games Award ITFS 2025: Slow Bros. GmbH with “Harold Halibut“
Winners AniX Award ITFS 2025, all photos: Reiner Pfisterer

Wiebke Wiesner New Managing Director of MFG starting in July 2026

The 49-year-old has signed her contract as Managing Director of MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg mbH. She will succeed Carl Bergengruen on July 1, 2026, who has led MFG for 13 years and is retiring. Wiebke Wiesner’s contract is initially set for five years.

Wiebke Wiesner with State Secretary Arne Braun at the signing of the contract. © Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg

State Secretary Arne Braun (Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst BW) said:
“I am delighted that with Wiebke Wiesner we have gained an exceptionally qualified expert for an important future-oriented field in the state. Film funding is an essential part of Baden-Württemberg’s cultural and creative industries. Wiebke Wiesner combines a passion for film with extensive experience. She understands how the industry networks and how film funding works. Wiebke Wiesner brings people together. Her expertise and dynamism convinced the supervisory board. With her, Baden-Württemberg gains a Managing Director who will lead our film and media sector into the future with energy and strategy.”

Clemens Bratzler, Program Director Information at SWR, said:
“Appointing Wiebke Wiesner as Managing Director of MFG underscores our commitment to ensuring that Baden-Württemberg remains relevant and innovative in media, film, and the creative industries. Ms. Wiesner has everything needed to build on the successful era of Carl Bergengruen despite challenging conditions, while also setting new priorities for the future.”

Wiebke Wiesner added:
“I look forward with great enthusiasm and respect to the tasks ahead and to the wide-ranging spectrum of MFG, from film, VFX, and games funding to supporting the entire regional cultural and creative industries.” As Managing Director, she said she is stepping into commendable footsteps: “Carl Bergengruen has shaped MFG over many years with vision and tireless commitment. He deserves the highest recognition and thanks. The current challenges for Baden-Württemberg’s film and media sector, as well as for the entire German film industry, are immense.” Her passion and expertise in film funding have been long-standing. “I am very much looking forward to continuing proven initiatives with the MFG team while developing and implementing sustainable new ideas for the future.”

Wiebke Wiesner has served as Legal Counsel and Deputy Managing Director of the Produktionsallianz since February 2023 and took over as interim Managing Director of the nationwide industry association in May 2025. Previously, she worked at institutions for film funding at both the state and federal level, including the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the Filmförderungsanstalt des Bundes (FFA). She is a deputy member of the FFA Board of Directors, chair of the Guidelines Committee, and represents film producers on the Green Filming Advisory Board and the Green Shooting Working Group. She advised the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg on establishing games funding and support for digital productions and negotiated Germany’s first AI collective agreement for the Produktionsallianz.

Sources (translated with the help of AI): Press Release Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst BW | MFG Baden-Württemberg

Panel Discussion: Gaming@Museum

© MFG Baden-Württemberg

Games and other playful formats create connections – and open up new opportunities for museums in terms of education and participation. With the panel discussion “Gaming@Museum – neue Spielräume für Co-Creation?” on November 12, 2025, 18:00 CET, MFG Baden-Württemberg is highlighting the potential of games for culture as part of the Level Up! Gamification im Museum program. The focus lies on the question of how museums can become more open and co-creative spaces.

Actors from museums, academia, cultural policy, media education, and the games and creative industries will discuss playful formats for culture as well as the opportunities and challenges of cooperation. Taking part in the discussion are:

  • State Secretary Arne Braun (Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst BW)
  • Kevin Körner (Lecturer Digital Humanities, Universität Tübingen)
  • Jonas Kirchner (Managing Director Pixelcloud)
  • Laura Schuppli (Curator of Digital Media at the Stadtmuseum Aarau & Co-Founder Spielekultur GmbH)
  • Dejan Simonović (Media Education Officer ComputerSpielSchule Stuttgart)

Moderation: Tina Lorenz (Head of Hertzlab, ZKM Karlsruhe) 

Afterwards, MFG invites attendees to a reception for networking and exchange. Previously, starting at 16:00 CET, visitors can explore and try out different video game genres and consoles – guided by puzzle designer and game author Annekatrin Baumann.

Venue: Literaturhaus Stuttgart, 1. OG
Breitscheidstraße 4
70174 Stuttgart

Registration until November 11, 2025

Source and more information

Pre-Fixe with Animation Lounge – Mucks! Games

Together with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film) and the AMCRS, MFG organizes the Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge as a prelude to the monthly network meeting of the film industry (Jour Fixe). Speakers from the animation film scene present practical examples of current projects and provide insights into their work.

The next Animation Lounge will take place on Monday, November 10, 2025, 18:00 CET. Under the title “Making Meaningful Games – Social Impact without the Seriousness,” the founders of Mucks! Games will talk about their studio and the games they create.

About Mucks! Games: We are a weird bunch of creatives located in Ludwigsburg, Germany. After working together on games and interactive installations during our studies at Animationsinstitut in Ludwigsburg, we decided to start something all our own. A place to show our unique visual style, to tell stories that go deep and create experiences with an impact. We want to make meaningful, beautiful games that stay with you, long after you have turned off the screen.

The event will take place at the Kulturzentrum Merlin, Augustenstraße 72, 70178 Stuttgart. Admission is free.

All participants are cordially invited to attend the subsequent MFG Jour Fixe from 19:00 CET. The Jour Fixe offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking with colleagues from the MFG Film Funding Unit.

More information

The Spot: Recap of the Ludwigsburger Mediendialoge

On October 21, 2025, the opening event of the Ludwigsburger Mediendialoge took place on the campus of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. Leading representatives from politics, business, and culture came together to discuss the future of the media landscape in southwest Germany – Arne Braun, State Secretary, Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Patrick Rapp, State Secretary, Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus Baden-Württemberg, Carl Bergengruen, Managing Director, Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG), Stefanie Larson, Director Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Clemens Bratzler, Program Director Information SWR, and Lisa Purtscher, producer at LiseLotte Film and graduate of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (FABW). The panel discussion was moderated by Andreas Bareiß, Director of the Filmakademie. The event was held in cooperation with the industry magazine The Spot.

„Klare Worte statt leerer Versprechen“(“Clear words instead of empty promises”) – that was the conclusion drawn by The Spot’s editor-in-chief Marc Mensch in his article published on October 22, 2025.

Read the full article here.

Screenshot The Spot, 22. Okt. 2025