On 25 February 2025, it was announced that Constantin Film will once again be involved as the organiser of the prestigious German newcomer award FIRST STEPS. This partnership marks the return of a key player in the German film industry that has helped shape German film for decades. Constantin Film shares FIRST STEPS' vision of providing a platform for talented young filmmakers and putting their work in the spotlight.
Oliver Berben and Christian Rohde from Constantin Film emphasise that the partnership not only gives young filmmakers room to grow, but also inspires and motivates them. They recall Bernd Eichinger's conviction that art and commerce can harmonise and want to make it easier for talented filmmakers to enter the professional film world by supporting them.
Nico Hofmann, co-founder of FIRST STEPS, welcomes the return of Constantin Film as an important partner and emphasises that the award sends a strong signal of solidarity within the German film landscape in turbulent times.
Submissions for this year's award are already open. Graduates of German-speaking universities and filmmakers without a specific degree programme can submit their works until 19 March 2025. We are looking for films that are characterised by a strong personal signature, innovative film language and an examination of current topics. The award ceremony will take place in Berlin at the beginning of October.
FIRST STEPS is the most important award for young filmmakers graduating from film schools in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With total prize money of 132,000 euros, it is the most highly endowed prize of its kind and is awarded annually in ten categories. The prize was founded in 1999 by Bernd Eichinger and Nico Hofmann and is organised in partnership with various media companies, including ARD, Netflix and Constantin Film. The aim is to promote up-and-coming filmmakers in the long term.
