The Application will open 31^st October 2025. The deadline will be 5^th January 2026 at 11pm Berlin time.

Before you apply to the NIPKOW PROGRAMM please consider carefully the following mandatory requirements.
Your application for the NIPKOW PROGRAMM will only be processed if you meet the following conditions:

• You are a professional writer, director, producer, or animator (no students), with at least one credited feature-length work (≥ 70 minutes) in the same role as your application role. Co-directing and co-writing credits do not meet this requirement.
• You have completed a first feature length film (more than 70min.) either fiction, documentary or animation as director, author or producer. You may then apply with a project where you take the same role. Co-directing and co-screenwriting are not acceptable as previous experience.
• Applicants without a feature may qualify if a short film of theirs has won an award at one of the following festivals: Berlin, Cannes, Locarno, Sundance, Toronto, Venice, Tokyo, Busan.
• The submitted project is a new feature intended for theatrical release (fiction, documentary, or animation). Provide at minimum an English first-draft script or a developed treatment; for documentaries, a developed treatment is sufficient.
• Only one applicant is allowed per film project.
• Minimum a first draft of the script or a developed treatment must be available in English. For documentary projects we just require a developed treatment.
• An attached producer is required. Please include a producer letter confirming engagement and development status.
• Two letters of recommendation from industry professionals.
• Submit a complete application in English, including a full-length sample of previous work (no trailers). Make sure the sample(s) can be downloaded for our jury.
• As part of your application, you are required to upload a video in which you present your director’s note and explain your motivation for applying.
• Provide a signed rights declaration confirming underlying rights ownership or a valid option for adaptations.

This is a residency programme, not a visiting fellowship! 

If you are selected to participate you must agree to the following conditions:

• I commit to residing in Berlin for the full duration of my fellowship in one uninterrupted block scheduled between 1 June and 30 November 2026.
• I will coordinate my work plan with the Nipkow Program office and attend all meetings, workshops, and seminars.
• The fellowship provides a stipend of EUR 1,500 per month. Travel and accommodation are not covered and must be arranged by the fellow.
• I commit myself to attend and to prepare for all NIPKOW PROGRAMM meetings / workshops / seminars in Berlin.
• I am aware that some or all of the data I provide, such as my name, the director's name, photo, project title, production company, country of the production etc. will be published on the Nipkow website.
• An interim report is required before disbursement of the final stipend instalment.
• Credits: The Nipkow Program must be credited with logo in the opening and closing credits and all promotional materials.
• Post-fellowship: I will provide periodic updates on project progress.

In order to apply for the NIPKOW PROGRAMM please follow the link below and create a new account: 

Go to application

Please consider the maximum length of your application material:

• Number of Characters (including spaces): Treatment: 30.000 / Director's vision: 3.000 / Synopsis: 3.000 / Producer's note: 3.000 / Producer's company profile: 3.000

   

• Please note that you will find additional requirements specified in the application form.