- The Cinematic Institute Initiates Fresh Organizational Frameworks
Görlitz is looking to become a hub for film training and further education. The Saxon Film Academy, established in 2022, has now been given a permanent setup and will operate as a GmbH in the future. Mayor Octavian Ursu expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I'm thrilled we've reached this stage." Görlitz has a rich history in film production and has been actively pushing for local talent to fill the industry's skill gaps, particularly in areas like camera and lighting assistance, film production, and equipment. The initial classes, set to commence early next year, will accommodate 10-15 participants each. Grit Wißkirchen, taking over as managing director on August 1st, announced these plans. The majority stakeholder is Allianz Deutscher Produzenten für Film und Fernsehen, with about 370 member companies. The spokesperson for the executive board, Björn Böhning, mentioned their involvement in a regional project for the first time, aimed at promoting skill development and training. The Film Academy started at the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz two years ago and now joins the newly formed company as a shareholder, along with Görlitz-Zgorzelec GmbH, responsible for economic development.
Görlitz as a Star
According to Böhning, specialists are vital for production to thrive. With Saxonia Media and Looks Film GmbH's support, the production alliance has made a strategic move to develop Görlitz as a "star" alongside prominent locations like Berlin, Cologne, or Munich. The industry is buzzing with anticipation, with the German government planning a film reform for 2025 to boost its competitiveness.
Since the 1950s, over 120 films have featured scenes shot in Görlitz. Famous titles include Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and Wes Anderson's Oscar-winning "The Grand Budapest Hotel." The city on the German-Polish border has served as various international cities in feature films, such as Paris, New York, Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt/Main. Stars like Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, and Jackie Chan have graced the city's sets. The ARD crime series "Wolfsland," featuring Yvonne Catterfeld and Götz Schubert, has regularly been filmed in Görlitz since 2015.
There's a dedicated contact for production teams on-site. Görlitz operates its own film office, assisting in film shoot preparations. An online database also aids in locating suitable motives and locations in and around the city.
The European Union could potentially provide funding opportunities for the further development of Görlitz as a film hub, given its commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries. The increased popularity of Görlitz as a filming location has drawn attention from international film productions, making it a strong contender for potential collaborations with filmmaking agencies from across Europe.
