The German Film Academy is expanding its network: 99 film professionals have been admitted to the Academy this year. The new members include, amongst others, director Mascha Schilinski, actress Lena Urzendowsky and actor Aaron Altaras.

The new members come from various sectors of the film industry – including directing, acting, screenwriting, production, cinematography, music and sound design. By welcoming further creative professionals, the Academy is strengthening its role as the central platform for the German film industry.

Alongside Schilinski, who gained international recognition for her film *In die Sonne schauen*, the new members also include other established and up-and-coming filmmakers. The list includes, amongst others, Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu, Vladimir Burlakov, Enno Trebs, Tim Dünschede, Jonas Nay, Sabrina Sarabi and Frédéric Hambalek.

Memberships are awarded by the Executive Board of the German Film Academy. Among others, all nominees for the German Film Award and winners of the German Screenplay Award are automatically entitled to membership. Winners of the FIRST STEPS Young Talent Award are offered the opportunity to become junior members.

Founded in 2003, the German Film Academy now brings together more than 2,400 members from the fields of animation, casting, documentary film, screenwriting, cinematography, costume design, make-up, music, production, directing, acting, production design, editing and VFX. Among other things, the Academy organises the German Film Award and is one of the most important institutions in the German film industry.