The German Federal Film Board (FFA) has officially announced the introduction of a Equality bonus announced. With this new measure in the Reference funding the FFA wants to Underrepresentation of women in creative leadership positions such as screenplay, direction, production, camera, sound and editing.

FFA Board of Directors Peter Dinges emphasises that the bonus is intended to serve this purpose, Correct structural imbalances. Although the gender ratio among graduates of film-related degree programmes is relatively balanced, women are still significantly underrepresented in roles of responsibility. The bonus should Create incentives to involve women right from the project development stage and to give them appropriate responsibility.

How the equality bonus works

Films in which women occupy two of the three key positions of screenwriter, director and producer, as well as other leading positions, can in addition to the regular reference products a bonus of 25,000 to 50,000 euros received. The amount depends on the total number of points awarded to the project in the FFA reference system. The funding must be used for New projects with comparable female participation can be used.

The bonus is initially limited to full-length films limited. An adjustment for short films is planned. Applicants can already submit proof of eligibility for the current 2026 reference film funding programme.

Objective

The FFA emphasises that the bonus Permanent structural changes not just short-term effects. Experience with similar gender incentives in Germany and Europe has shown that such measures Influencing decision-making processes, opening doors and creating sustainable structures.

With the introduction of the gender equality bonus, the FFA is Clearly visible signal for more gender equality and strengthens the Equal opportunities in film production.