North German star line-up at the Berlinale

A selection of photos from the event for free use in the context of reporting can be found here. (Copyright: Jasper Ehrich Fotografie/Florian Arp)

Other guests at Hamburg Tea Time included the actresses Pheline Roggan, Aylin Tezel and Sunnyi Melles ("The Doubters", "Triangle of Sadness") as well as the Directors Sönke Wortmann ("The Elders") and Lars Jessen ("Mittagsstunde").

The guests at the traditional Berlinale reception were welcomed at the State Representation by Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media and Helge Albers, CEO of MOIN Film Fund. The reception honours and raises the profile of film in and from Hamburg on the international stage. It offers film funding and Hamburg filmmakers the opportunity to engage in dialogue with national guests and international partners.

Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: "North German film remains a constant presence at the Berlinale. What a great success! First and foremost, of course, this is thanks to the outstanding filmmakers, but it also shows the fine instinct of the MOIN Film Fund and its selection committees for exciting, contemporary material. Film finds the best conditions in the north, under which it can develop well. Particularly in view of the current challenges in the German film industry as a whole, I am very pleased that Hamburg has succeeded in significantly strengthening film funding in 2025. So that promising talents and first-class productions from Hamburg can continue to light up the international screens."

Helge Albers, CEO of MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein: "When two films have the chance to win the Golden Berlinale Bear in the same year, then something is going very right in the North German film landscape! With "Yunan" by Hamburg Director Ameer Fakher Eldin and "Mother's Baby" by Director Johanna Moder, we have two great productions in the competition - we're keeping our fingers crossed for the winners' podium! In addition, the OMNI 2025 diversity platform is now being opened up to the entire industry following the successful completion of the pilot phase - a big step for us and the entire German film industry."

The four MOIN-funded films in the Berlinale programme:

Yunan (Competition section)

In the drama "Yunan" by Hamburg-based Directors and Script Writer Ameer Fakher Eldin, Munir seeks solitude on a remote island to reflect on the last act of his life. He finds unexpected solace in the company of Valeska, whose compassion revives his dwindling courage to face life. The cast includes Hanna Schygulla, Georges Khabbaz, Sibel Kekilli and Tom Wlaschiha. The film was shot over 14 days on a Hallig in Schleswig-Holstein and eight days in Hamburg. Executive Producer is Dorothe Beinemeier with her Hamburg-based company Red Balloon Film. The film received 400,000 euros in production support from the MOIN Film Fund.

Mother's Baby (Competition section)

Directors Johanna Moder and her team shot the film in Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie concert hall, among other locations. The prominent cast of "Mother's Baby" includes Hamburg actor Hans Löw, "The Square" star Claes Bang and leading actress Marie Leuenberger. What is the film about? The successful conductor Julia and her partner are longing for a child when the doctor Dr Vilfort gives them hope. After successful treatment at his clinic, Julia becomes pregnant. But the birth turns out differently than expected and the baby is immediately taken away. Julia is left in the dark about what has happened. When she finally receives the child, she feels strangely distant. The film by Freibeuter Film from Austria in collaboration with The Match Factory from Cologne received 150,000 euros in production support from the MOIN Film Fund.

Letters from Wolf Street (Panorama section)

In the German-Polish co-production "Letters from Wolf Street", a street in the centre of Warsaw becomes a kaleidoscope of Polish society. Directors and script of the Inselfilm production are by Arjun Talwar from Hamburg, who is also in charge of the camera. Part of the post production will also take place in the Hanseatic city. The Documentary was supported in production by the MOIN Film Fund with 30,000 euros.

Guochang / Fruit farm (Forum section)

HFBK graduate Nana Xu travelled to the "fruit farm", the place that her father built as a prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. First labour camp, then prison, farm, treatment centre. Conversations with the last witnesses in her homeland, which is characterised by a repressed past. The MOIN Film Fund has supported the HFBK graduation films of the 2024 class with a total of 140,000 euros.