Diversity in film: Universities and the industry fight against discrimination!

Diversity in film: Universities and the industry fight against discrimination!

On June 30, 2025, the panel “Boosting the Next Generation” took place as part of the 42nd FILMFEST MUNICH. This project was initiated by the MaLisa Foundation, Netflix and six renowned German film schools, including the Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF Film University and the Munich University of Television and Film (HFF). The aim of this initiative is to strengthen discrimination-sensitive structures in the training of future filmmakers in order to set new standards in the industry. The need for sustainable standards and structures for diversity in film production was particularly emphasized.

In a keynote speech by Sasha Bühler from Netflix and Maria Furtwängler from the MaLisa Foundation, the importance of diversity in film production was emphasized. Yugen Yah, a well-known filmmaker and podcaster, moderated the panel. Susanne Sturmer from the Babelsberg Film University and the director Merle Grimme took part in the discussion. Student Yelyzaveta Davydenko from the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy and Sinem Gökser, speaker for diversity and inclusion at art universities in southern Germany, also contributed their perspectives.

Diversity as a core issue

The university merger and the support from Netflix have enabled significant progress in diversity work. A central concern is the development of cross-university training on diversity in film and teaching practice. In order to address the challenges of the industry, it is crucial to anchor diversity and anti-discrimination in a binding manner. The appeal is aimed not only at the filmmakers themselves, but also at funding institutions and political decision-makers.

The debate about diversity and discrimination in the film and television industry does not deviate from reality. A survey carried out on behalf of the “Diversity in Film” alliance has produced alarming results. Over 6,000 filmmakers took part in the survey, which was supported and funded by Citizens For Europe. This survey shows that discrimination is a consistent problem in the German film industry.

Urgent need for action

The survey's landmark results show that eight in 10 women have experienced sexual harassment in the past two years, many of them multiple times. In addition, a significant number of queer filmmakers report that they hide their sexual identity for fear of career decline. Another worrying aspect is that people with a migrant background, people with disabilities and women are less likely to be permanently employed in the industry and earn less. These circumstances were also addressed by Bernhard Franke, the acting head of the federal anti-discrimination agency. He highlights the need for change, including the introduction of clear codes of conduct for productions and effective complaint management of discrimination and harassment.

The results also show that over 60% of cases of discrimination occur at the beginning of a project or activity, often at the audition. Over two thirds of those surveyed said they had not reported discrimination they had experienced. The study has identified clear areas for action and calls for the establishment of well-known, low-threshold complaints offices. A positive example of such a system is the “Themis” advice center, which was founded in 2018 in the wake of the #metoo movement and serves as a model.

In the conclusion, both Susanne Stürmer and Maria Furtwängler emphasize the urgency of gender equality and diversity in the media. The “Boosting the Next Generation” project shows that change is possible when universities and the film industry pull together. All of these dynamic developments are aimed at achieving long-term changes in the industry's internal culture.

The pictures from the event will be published on the FILMFEST MÜNCHEN homepage starting tomorrow. Information on the ongoing work and progress of the participating universities, including the Hamburg Media School, can also be expected.