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Debut film Thanks for Nothing” wins audience award in Berlin!
On October 8th, 2025, Stella Marie Markert received the audience award at the FIRST STEPS Awards for her debut film “Thanks for Nothing”.
Debut film Thanks for Nothing” wins audience award in Berlin!
At this year's FIRST STEPS Awards, which took place on October 8, 2025 in the historic Theater des Westens in Berlin, the team from “DANKE FOR NOTHING” was awarded the coveted “Big Audience Award”. This prize is considered one of the most important awards for aspiring filmmakers in German-speaking countries. Founded in 1999 by Bernd Eichinger and Nico Hofmann, the FIRST STEPS initiative aims to sustainably and effectively promote young filmmakers.
The Babelsberg Film University was significantly involved in the production of the film, which was made in a co-production with Schiwago Film GmbH and ZDF – Das kleine Fernsehenspiel. The project was also supported by the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. According to the Film University “THANKS FOR NOTHING” addresses the complex relationships of four young people who live in an assisted living group and try to build an anarchic utopia far away from social norms. However, her social worker Ballack only acts as a half-hearted supervisor, which leads to exciting and emotional conflicts.
The “Big Audience Award”
Stella Marie Markert, who is studying as a master's student at the film university, celebrated a remarkable success with her feature film debut “THANKS FOR NOTHING”. At the awards ceremony, the jury praised her film for its keen eye and pointed dialogue. The FIRST STEPS Awards are spread across ten categories and have a total prize money of 132,000 euros. Not only directors are honored, but also producers, image designers, actors and screenwriters.
The importance of the FIRST STEPS Awards cannot be overstated. They are considered the leading award for final films from film schools in the DACH region. With past events showcasing outstanding talent, the German Film Academy e.V., in partnership with major media companies such as ARD, Constantin Film and Netflix, has created a platform that supports young filmmakers and puts their works in the spotlight.
The outlook for the future challenges and opportunities for German film is therefore optimistic, as initiatives such as the FIRST STEPS Awards continue to pave the way for new talent. The Babelsberg Film University remains a key player in promoting innovation and creativity in the film sector, as does the German Film Academy certified.