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DOKVILLE 2026

DOKVILLE, the industry gathering hosted by the Haus des Dokumentarfilms, will take place this year on June 18 and 19 at Hospitalhof Stuttgart. The central theme of DOKVILLE 2026 is: DEMOKRATIE UNTER DRUCK – IST UNSERE ZIVILGESELLSCHAFT AM ENDE? (DEMOCRACY UNDER PRESSURE – IS OUR CIVIL SOCIETY COMING TO AN END?) Through keynotes, panels, and case studies, DOKVILLE will examine the growing threats facing democracy today. Those unable to attend in person can follow the event via livestream.

Civil societies around the world are increasingly under pressure. One consequence is a growing loss of trust in democratic institutions, a development that can now be observed in many countries. This erosion is being accelerated by aggressive populism spread through digital platforms, aimed at systematically destabilizing democratic norms. Strategically deployed disinformation and algorithm-driven manipulation of information undermine the credibility of reliable media and democratic discourse.

What responses can, and must, institutions committed to democracy find in the face of this radical questioning of our social order? How can our society continue to safeguard the rule of law and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press? These questions will be discussed at DOKVILLE 2026 by renowned filmmakers, journalists, and experts from politics and academia.

Among the speakers providing key impulses on the topic are former German President Prof. Dr. Joachim Gauck as opening speaker, journalist and human rights activist Düzen Tekkal, Katharina Willinger, head of the ARD studios in Istanbul and Tehran, director Stephan Lamby, media executive Nathalie Wappler (Chair of the Medienrat), and Paul Ronzheimer of BILD.

For the third time, the industry event will also include the MFG-funded pitch format “Speed Dating,” giving directors the opportunity to present new projects and project ideas to commissioning editors from attending broadcasters.

Further information, program, and tickets: https://dokville.de/

Further Source: MFG

About Next Conference, June 13, 2026

As part of the About Pop Festival & Convention 2026 (June 12-13, 2026), About Next will take place on June 13 – a sub-conference bringing together the creative industries, start-ups, technology, and innovation.

About Next creates space for exchange, new collaborations, and fresh impulses between the creative scene, businesses, and the public sector. At its core are the opportunities of a strong regional innovation ecosystem in which creative and entrepreneurial skills work hand in hand. Expect panels, talks, workshops, and best-practice formats on current topics such as new business models, digital sovereignty, community building, and sustainable cultural work. About Next highlights how creative industries are increasingly becoming a driving force for transformation, economic development, and regional attractiveness. Following the program, a get-together in the networking area with food and drinks invites participants to connect and exchange ideas.

About Pop 2025, photo: Ilkay Karakurt

The format was initiated by Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH together with MFG Baden-Württemberg, the City of Stuttgart, and the companies HearDis!, and Gold und Wirtschaftswunder.

As part of About Next, MFG Baden-Württemberg will present the workshop “Creative Collaboration – Wie stärkt Brückenkompetenz cross-innovative Zusammenarbeit?“ featuring Mira Kleine, Project Manager for Entrepreneurial Action. The workshop explores how bridging competencies can strengthen collaboration across different disciplines and industries, with a focus on new perspectives for cross-innovative processes between the creative industries, technology, and other economic sectors.

Full program

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, Doors open: 9:30 CET, Program: 10-18 CET | Location: HearDis! Space, Christophstraße 6, 70178 Stuttgart

Free convention tickets are available via this link. The ticket includes access to About Next as well as the convention programme on Friday. Optionally, the ticket can be upgraded to include the full About Pop program.

More information: About Next | About Pop

Animation Media Lounge 2026 on May 7, 2026

STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026 is just around the corner! Thanks to the event trio FMX – Film & Media Exchange 2026 (On-site: May 5-7, Online & On Campus: May 8), Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2026 (May 5-10), and Animation Production Days 2026 (May 5-7), Stuttgart is once again becoming a global hotspot for the animation and VFX industry.

And of course, no great week is complete without a proper celebration: We’re throwing a party for everyone attending the three events – and not just any party, but the “MASSIVE MEGALOMANIAC ROCKSTARLICIOUS MONSTER PARTY” aka Animation Media Lounge 2026 on May 7, 2026! Come by and celebrate with us!

When: May 7, 2026, starting at 21:30 CET
Where: Die Note, Berliner Platz 1, 70174 Stuttgart

Invitation Flyer

Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge – with Amelie Dillig

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, March 9, 2026, 18:00 CET. Under the title “Creating the VFX Of THE PENGUIN,” Amelie Dillig, Producer at Accenture Song Content Germany, talks about what it takes to create the visual effects for an award-winning show like “The Penguin.” In her presentation, Amelie Dillig explains how the VFX are produced from start to finish. Together with her, you can explore menacing cityscapes and examine how they were designed to fully immerse the audience in the world of Gotham City.

Amelie Dillig studied Audiovisual Media at HdM in Stuttgart from 2011 until 2015. She then started her career as a VFX Coordinator at Pixomondo and worked her way up to VFX Producer over the years. After more than six years, Amelie left Pixomondo and joined Accenture as a VFX Producer in 2023. Her credits include “Stranger Things,” “The Penguin, Avatar – The Last Airbender,” “The Mandalorian,” “Game Of Thrones.”

Amelie Dillig (VFX Producerin Accenture Song) | © Accenture Song

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.

Source and further information

THE LÄND joint stand at the Nordic Game 2026 and the Gamescom 2026

MFG Baden-Württemberg offers companies and developers from the games and digital industries the opportunity to present themselves to an international professional audience under the umbrella of “THE LÄND – Games & Virtual Worlds Made in Baden-Württemberg.” Exhibition spaces are available at the THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom in Cologne – and, for the first time, also at Nordic Game in Malmö.

THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom 2025, © Tobias Vollmer Fotografie

From August 26 to 28, 2026, the THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom in Cologne will showcase games, interactive media, and VR/XR applications from Baden-Württemberg. Gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s leading business platform for the industry: in 2025, it welcomed 357,000 visitors from nearly 130 countries, including more than 34,000 trade visitors and 1,568 exhibitors. Located in the business area of the exhibition grounds, the THE LÄND stand offers prominent visibility, the opportunity to host individual events such as press conferences, and – thanks to shared infrastructure – significantly less organizational effort compared to a standalone presence. In cooperation with Baden-Württemberg International and the K³ Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaftsbüro Karlsruhe, participants can expect a program featuring networking opportunities and visits from political decision-makers. Companies, developers, and institutions from the games, media, and digital industries are invited to apply – particularly projects with a focus on VR, AR, XR, and UX. Full details on participation at Gamescom and the application form are available online.

From May 26 to 29, 2026, Baden-Württemberg will participate in Nordic Game in Malmö for the first time – one of Europe’s most important games conferences. Five indie game studios from the state will receive a place at the THE LÄND stand to present their games to an international audience, pitch to publishers, and establish business contacts. This is made possible through cooperation with Baden-Württemberg International. What sets Nordic Game apart: it is smaller than Gamescom, but more focused and intensive. International publishers attend in person, and the formats are tailored to targeted business development within the European market. MFG Baden-Württemberg will also organize an international networking reception in Malmö and offer a preparatory workshop including professional publisher pitch training. Further information on participation in Nordic Game and the application form can be found online.

Applications for both trade fairs are open until March 15, 2026. Application for Gamescom and Nordic Game

Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg

Start-up Monday meets Gründungswerkstatt

The Start-up Monday is the Ludwigsburg event for founders, start-ups, creatives, and everyone interested in starting up, networking, and growing. It takes place at irregular intervals and at changing locations.

At the next Start-up Monday on March 9, 2026, the Wirtschaftsförderung der Stadt Ludwigsburg and Tinkertank invite you to join: the new open Gründungswerkstatt (start-up workshop) in the premises of Tinkertank (an initiative of Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH), will be introduced and presented.

Program:

16:30 CET: Admission
17:00 CET: Welcome address by Mayor Dr. Matthias Knecht and kick-off “Ludwigsburg gründungsfreundlich“. In attendance: Saskia Kress, Managing Director of Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH and initiator of Tinkertank.
17:15 CET: Interactive keynote: Technology meets creativity, including the presentation of the open start-up workshop
18:00 CET: Networking, workshop tours, project pitches in the adjacent room, food and drinks

The project “Ludwigsburg gründungsfreundlich: Orte der Innovation” is supported by the Verband Region Stuttgart as part of the “Programm zur Kofinanzierung von regionalen Modellprojekten und Kooperationen im Bereich Wirtschaft und Tourismus.”

Admission is free. | Venue: Tinkertank, Pflugfelder Str. 23 (2. Stock), 71636 Ludwigsburg

Further information and registration

TALENT Meet-up BW 2026

In 2026, the TALENT Meet-up BW will once again offer young professionals the opportunity to experience the Stuttgart Animated Week (FMX – Film & Media Exchange (May 5 to 7, 2026), Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (May 5 to 10, 2026), and the APD Conference (May 5, 2026)) with a free combi ticket. The program supports participants in networking, provides personalized program recommendations, and creates a framework for optimal exchange – both among participants and within the international industry. In addition, attendees will get to know regional support services and contact persons.

The program is aimed at individuals who are at the beginning of their own startup journey, currently developing animation-based content such as games, XR, VFX, or animation, or who are from related but non-industry fields, such as students in (humanities) sciences seeking to network with professionals from the animation, film, and games sectors. The offer is free of charge.

Applications are open until February 23, 2026, with responses provided by March 19, 2026. Apply now via the online form!

Program coordinators are MFG Baden-Württemberg, Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart (WRS), Film Commission Region Stuttgart, Wirtschaftsförderung der Stadt Stuttgart and the Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

Source and further informations: MFG Baden-Württemberg

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.

Unreal MegaMeetup #11 at b.Rex on February 4, 2026

Unreal Engine has quietly become a serious industrial tool: from high-fidelity CAD visualization and VR design reviews to production-ready automotive HMI prototyping. If you’re in engineering or automotive – especially in the Mittelstand – this meetup is designed to be practical: real pipelines, real constraints, and what actually works in day-to-day product development.

Expect a short, focused evening with four expert talks and plenty of time to network with engineers, product teams, innovation leads, and Unreal creators working on industrial use cases.

The topic of the Unreal MegaMeetup #11 on February 4 (organized by our CREATORS from b.Rex) is “Unreal in Engineering, Automotive HMI & CAD Workflows“, the program includes four talks:

Arjun Rai Gupta | Virtual Dimension Center (VDC), Fellbach
Talk focus: A big-picture introduction: how Unreal is showing up in industrial contexts (engineering + automotive), and how initiatives like CyberLÄND support collaboration, knowledge transfer, and cross-company innovation in immersive tech.

Dennis Basgier | Threedy (instant3Dhub)
Talk focus: CAD → Unreal without pain. Threedy will show how their Unreal Plugin streams complex CAD models into Unreal without preprocessing or simplification, while keeping engineering context/metadata.

Jouni Leino | Siili Auto (Siili)
Talk focus: “Our journey with Unreal Engine” – how real-time 3D is reshaping automotive experiences: in-car interfaces, visualization tools, and next-gen UX.

Tillman Staffen & Tim Völker | B.REX / Bruce B.
Talk focus: “AI-based Avatars in Corporate Communication” – how intelligent, real-time avatars are reshaping how organizations communicate with customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Participation is free! As always, there will be both meat and vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of drinks. Register early to secure your spot! Registration and details here (communities.unrealengine.com) and here (meetup.com)

Date: Wednesday, Februar 4, 18 to 23 CET | Venue: at b.Rex, Reinsburgstraße 96/1, 70197 Stuttgart

The event is powered by the “NEW.STUTTGART” initiative.

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.

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