East German filmmakers: New survey on equal opportunities started!

East German filmmakers: New survey on equal opportunities started!

The film industry is facing a crucial phase in which the representation of East German perspectives is becoming the focus. A comprehensive survey launched on March 13, 2025 is intended to help determine the status of equal opportunities for filmmakers from East and West Germany. The aim is to improve the visibility and authenticity of East German perspectives on screens. The survey is being carried out in collaboration between the producers' association and Goldmedia and ends on March 17, 2025.

Filmmakers from all areas are invited to give their assessments of the topics in a questionnaire. It covers both positive aspects and challenges in representation. It also asks to what extent East German perspectives are reflected in the media and what hurdles exist when starting out and building a career. The survey takes approximately ten minutes and the data collected is kept anonymous and confidential. The results should be published in aggregated form.

Focus on representation and support

An essential part of the survey is the identification of the need for specific support for East German filmmakers. Given the discussions about representation throughout the film industry, these aspects are of great importance. The initiative is supported by Netflix, among others, which shows that major players in the industry have an interest in diversity and inclusion.

The relevance of this survey is seen not only in Germany, but also internationally. The Academy Awards will introduce new regulations starting in 2024 to further promote representation and diversity in the film industry. To be nominated in the Best Film category, films must meet at least two of four criteria. This includes, among other things, representation on screen and access to the industry.

• Standard A: Repräsentation auf dem Bildschirm, in Themen und Narrativen.
• Standard B: Kreative Führung und Projekt-Team.
• Standard C: Zugang zur Industrie.
• Standard D: Publikumsentwicklung.

These new criteria reflect an effort to give discriminated minorities more opportunities in an industry that is often dominated by old white men. However, critics of the new regulations complain that the representation often seems forced and is not in line with the film plot. Examples such as the scene in “Avengers Endgame” were criticized as unrealistic.

The ongoing survey on the representation of East German perspectives comes at an integral time when the entire industry is being made aware of the need for diversity and representation. Filmmakers who are interested in taking part can contact Lena Mackuth or Emilio Gärtner from Goldmedia. Their assessments will help reflect the perspectives and challenges of East German artists and create an important basis for the future of the film industry.

Further information about the survey is available on the website Film University, The knowledge as well as Media bubble to find.