What does this mean for Potsdam?
Being a part of the international UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that our city can
- share best practice examples and cooperative initiatives with other Creative Cities in all creative sectors all around the world
- form a network with other Creative Cities for the preservation, research and dissemination of regional and international film heritage
- establish new international collaborations in all areas of film as factors of economic, cultural, scientific and education significance
What makes Potsdam a City of Film?
Film Production & Film Heritage
Filming in Potsdam started in 1912 for the movie Der Totentanz. It was here that 1926 Fritz Lang shot his masterpiece Metropolis, that later got recognised in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Today, Studio Babelsberg, with 21 studios distributed across more than 179,000 m², is Europe's largest studio complex and used for national and international productions; movies such as INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, BRIDGE OF SPIES or MATRIX and series like HOMELAND, BABYLON BERLIN and DARK. Filming takes place all over the city. Potsdam is also home to the first volumetric studio on the European continent, set up by Volucap.
Cinemas & Film Festivals
Potsdam has a lively cinema culture – from program cinema to multiplex cinema and open air cinemas in summer. Film enthusiasts are drawn to the bright film festival culture: The international student film festival Sehsüchte is organised by students at the Filmuniversity, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 and is known as the largest student film festival in Europe. Moving History, Potsdam's Festival for the Historic Films since 2017, presents documentary and fictional films with historic themes from current and past cinema, and television production. For over two decades, the Jewish Film Festival Berlin & Brandenburg has been a forum for Jewish film in Germany.
Film Education and
Training
Potsdam is home to the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, the oldest and largest film college in Germany. Young film talents are trained here and film research is taking place. In 2007, the Children's Film University was established for children, and from there teenagers can continue their film education at the Babelsberg Film High School. Public education is championed by the Filmmuseum Potsdam in Potsdam's historical centre with its permanent exhibition "Dream Factory", temporary exhibitions, workshops, cinema and various special events.
Film Culture
Film and film culture is at the heart of Potsdam, alongside the science and history of the city. Potsdam-Babelsberg is the cradle of the German film industry. Founded in 1917, the UFA, is one of the world's oldest film companies. Since 1918, Potsdam has been home to the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg. The origins of the DEFA, the state-run film studio of the GDR, trace back as far as 1946. Today, Studio Babelsberg is a magnet for national and international productions. In 2022 the European Film Adacemy (EFA) honored Studio Babelsberg as a "Treasure of European film culture". Therefore Potsdam combines film history and heritage, film production, digital innovation, education and research.
Digital Innovation
Potsdam combines film, media and IT in a unique way, developing digital solutions for the future and for the film industry. In 2017, Potsdam was distinguished by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs as one of 12 digital hubs. Various opportunities for the further development of the film industry and the handling of film heritage arise from the Media Tech Hub Potsdam. At Volucap, an on-site innovation with 40 cameras enable hologram-like representations of real people, which then appear as computer-generated models. The Revolving Stage by Dark Bay is unique in the world and the LED wall has a shooting area of 450 square feet which allows filming of real sets from all angles.
Film Tourism
The Film Museum Potsdam is the oldest film museum in Germany and offers exhibitions with guided tours, workshops and filmscreenings in their own cinema since 1981. In the interactive exhibitions original props can bee seen. Since 1993 the theme park Filmpark Babelsberg offers a look behind the scenes of film and tv productions. Here you can experience original sets, stunt shows and much more attractions. Potsdam has a lively cinema culture – from program cinema to multiplex cinema. The Thalia Cinema has received multiple awards as the best German arthouse cinema. Every year, four film festivals welcome audiences from all over the world. Guided Tours bring the film city and original locations to life for everyone.
Latest News
GREEN VISIONS POTSDAM Call for Short Films Green Visions Potsdam is a unique festival combining film, science and a market for sustainable living, which spotlights environmental issues… Read more
FEMALE LANDSCAPE in Potsdam The UNESCO Cities of Film Łódź and Potsdam invite you to the second edition of the joint project FEMALE LANDSCAPE,… Read more
Celebrating 5 years as UNESCO CITY OF FILM POTSDAM Five years ago, Potsdam got announced as a UNESCO CITY OF FILM and is since then an active part in… Read more
Launch of the Boulevard of Film in Potsdam On 4 July 2024, the first plates of the Boulevard of Film on Brandenburger Straße were unveiled in the presence… Read more
Recent Productions made in Potsdam
Want to find out more about Potsdam?
Discover more about Potsdam's work with fellow Cities of Film and Creative Cities on the International Collaboration pages.
Visit the Potsdam City of Film website for the latest on activities in Potsdam.