Moderator, actress, and author Paula Essam led the evening’s program, which included the presentation of our Berlinale films and the epd audience award, given this year to Matthias Glasner for »Dying«.
The »Äppleritivo« brought together the film teams behind »Das deutsche Volk«, »Hysteria«, »Mother’s Baby«, »Circus Boy«, and »Houses«, alongside numerous actors, directors, and industry representatives. Among the guests were Sunnyi Melles, Aaron Altaras, Benita Bailey, Samuel Finzi, David Hadda, Annabelle Mandeng, Caroline Peters, Anne Ratte-Polle, Tyron Ricketts, Clemens Schick, Marie-Lou Sellem, Margarethe von Trotta, and Dennenesch Zoudé.
Before the reception, State Minister Timon Gremmels, Patrick Schaaf (Head of Strategic Development), and Marion Wagner (Head of Funding) participated in a fishbowl discussion with representatives of the Hessian film and cinema industry. The debate focused on »FFG 2025 – A First Step Toward Major Reform?« and featured guest speakers such as Julia Maier-Hauff (Managing Director of the Producers' Association, who gave the keynote), Martin Hagemann (Zero Fiction Film, producer and professor), and Tyron Ricketts (Panthertainment, producer and actor).
Highlights from the evening can be shared and published in connection with the »Äppleritivo«, with credit to Sonja Schwarz/Jason Sellers. Photos are available here.