Breaking News: NextStep Film & Media Foundation Center in Frankfurt Promotes Hessian Talents
Frankfurt am Main, 02.06.2025 – In an exciting development set to take the Hessian film and media scene by storm, the Nextstep film and media foundation center is opening its doors in the Kulturbunker Osthafen. This innovative initiative, supported by Hessen Film & Medien GmbH, the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art and Culture (HMWK), and the city of Frankfurt am Main, aims to nurture the state’s young filmmaking talents and foster sustainable artistic careers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The new center, located on the fourth floor of the cultural bunker in the Osthafen, features modern workrooms, a co-working space, and an event hall, providing a creative home for filmmakers on 270 square meters. This permanent contact point for film and media professionals in the early stages of self-employment or company start-ups offers rent-free offices, and an intensive one-year funding program designed to combine scholarships with workshops, mentoring, and professional networking.
Supporting the Next Generation
During a press conference on June 2, State Secretary Christoph Degen emphasized, “The film and media industry in Hesse thrives on the innovative strength of young talents. Nextstep creates a place where creative ideas meet professional structures, offering concrete support through rooms, financial aid, practical know-how, and targeted networking. This not only uplifts individual careers but also fortifies the cultural infrastructure of the state.”
Expanding Support инструменты
Managing Director Anna Schoeppe of Hessen Film & Medien added, “With Nextstep, we further expand our commitment to promoting young talent. The center provides an infrastructure that supports filmmakers spatially, professionally, and creatively, right in the heart of Frankfurt.”
Creative Hub and Networking Viktorija
Ina Hartwig from the city of Frankfurt highlighted the potential of the new premises, stating, “The Kulturbunker Osthafen is a wonderfully inspiring place that spurs creative thinking. I can well imagine young filmmakers generating new, unusual ideas and racconti within this renovated bunker.” The center will also serve as a platform for networking events, cultural events, and co-working, positioning itself as a place of exchange and creative collaboration.
The Incubator Phase and Beyond
Nextstep kicks off with an incubator phase in the second half of 2025, during which the program will be refined in workshops and exchanges with industry experts. Initial applications for the scholarships will open in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the first grants slated for 2026. The center aims to become a vibrant creative stroke, tightly connecting young individuals with established industries, and fostering synergies to strengthen Hesse as a production hub.
A minimum of six participants from across Hesse will be selected annually, with a focus on those with a clear intention to start a foundation. The center will also offer room rentals as an alternative usage option.
Conclusion
The Nextstep initiative represents a significant milestone in fostering Hessian film and media talent. This dynamic support system is poised to boost careers, strengthen cultural infrastructure, and solidify Hesse’s standing as a production powerhouse. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more updates and expert insights on the burgeoning film industry in Frankfurt and beyond.
