Central and Eastern Europe in focus of the international orientation of the Filmaka Baden-Württemberg

The film schools in Ludwigsburg and Łódź sign a cooperation agreement:

The Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (FABW) and the renowned Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Łódź (PWSFTviT) signed a strategic development and project agreement in Warsaw this Saturday (4 October 2025). The aim of the cooperation is to intensify collaboration in education, research and practice in the field of film and media and to strategically expand cross-border networking between Germany and Central and Eastern Europe.

The agreement was signed by Dr Andreas Bareiß, Director of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, and Prof Milenia Fiedler, Rector of the Łódź Film School, during a delegation trip led by Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and the Arts of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

At the heart of the agreement is the development of a "Central Eastern Europe Class" (CEEC), a new training programme for young filmmakers from Germany, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia. In addition to theoretical content and practical exercises, the programme will include mentoring, project development labs and intensive networking between Germany and several countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

Dr Andreas Bareiß: "The Film Academy Baden-Württemberg has a strong international focus – with traditionally close ties to the USA. However, in view of the overall geopolitical situation, it is now time for us to rethink our international orientation. We want to maintain existing bridges to the USA. But in future, we want to think more strategically in European terms. The world is changing, and so are we. In addition to our western neighbour France, with whom we have maintained excellent relations for decades, we now want to focus more strongly on cooperation with our friends in Central and Eastern Europe. I am delighted that we have been able to gain one of the world's most renowned media schools as a partner in this endeavour in the form of the film school in Łódź."

Minister Petra Olschowski emphasised: "…how valuable it is to work together internationally – especially in the highly innovative film and media sector. This is precisely where Europe's strength lies: in exchange, in cooperation, in joint creation across borders."

Both universities also see the agreement as a response to current technological and geopolitical developments. The agreement includes close cooperation on how universities can deal with innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI). Other topics include animation and VFX, as well as distribution and audience strategies. Joint pilot projects and research initiatives are intended to ensure long-term exchange.

Prof. Milenia Fiedler: "At the Lodz Film School, we have always believed that film is more than just a craft - it is a language that transcends borders, ideologies and generations. Artistic education must be shared across cultures if it is to remain vital and relevant. In times of rapid technological change, especially with the rise of AI, we need strong international partnerships more than ever. I believe that our collaboration with the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg creates a space where we can share knowledge, resources and best practices. Our goal is to develop concrete projects together and better prepare young filmmakers for challenges and opportunities of a new creative reality. The future of filmmaking will be built by those who can imagine new ways of being human in a world shared with intelligent machines."

Geopolitically, the agreement is designed as a response to fundamental shifts in international relations, with a clear commitment to European core values.

Minister Petra Olschowski sees the agreement as:"…much more than an education policy agreement: it is a commitment to openness, creativity, trustful exchange and a free and cooperative society in Europe," she said. "In a time when disinformation and division are increasing, we must strengthen common European perspectives and stories. And we need those who open up these perspectives and tell such stories."

The agreement is initially set to run for three years, with an option to extend. The FABW will coordinate and submit applications for start-up funding; further funding will be sought through European programmes and national film funds.

Background:

Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (FABW), Ludwigsburg, Germany
Since its foundation in 1991, the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg has established itself as one of the leading international film schools. Around 570 students benefit from a practical course offering that covers almost all areas of film and media production, including screenwriting, directing, production, cinematography, animation, interactive media and series production. Seven Student Academy Awards (Student Oscars) testify to the high quality standards of the academy. The guiding principle of "learning by doing" focuses on practical project work, teamwork and close cooperation with the industry – all embedded in a family atmosphere. At the same time, the academy attaches great importance to communication with students on an equal footing: "We learn just as much from you as you learn from us."

Łódź Film School (PWSFTviT), Poland
Founded in 1948, approx. 800 students. The Leon Schiller National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre in Łódź is one of the oldest and most renowned film schools in Europe. Famous graduates such as Andrzej Wajda, Roman Polański and Krzysztof Kieślowski continue to shape the international film scene to this day. The school combines artistic tradition with modern education and offers courses in film directing, screenwriting, cinematography, production, editing and acting. It particularly promotes auteur cinema and a distinctive artistic style.

Central Eastern Europe Class (CEEC)
The new training programme aims to train young filmmakers from Germany and Central and Eastern Europe in international cooperation, co-production, project development, financing and distribution. Through modular workshops, seminars and project labs, participants will learn in a practical way how to implement innovative ideas and jointly develop European film culture. The CEEC is a concrete example of the strengthening of European cooperation and cultural exchange in the audiovisual sector.