We’re on a mission to bring people together.
Welcome to the BIPoC Alliance, the largest coalition of BIPoC filmmakers in the German-speaking region. Our mission is to foster representation, visibility, and collaboration for BIPoC professionals in the film industry. Join us in shaping a more inclusive future in film.
Initiatives
A special alliance between RomaTrial, NewMotion, Gewächshaus, Schwarze Filmschaffende e.V., Berlin Asian Film Network. Together with Talent Over Privilege, Let’s Plant Stories, and Panthertainment. These platforms amplify marginalized voices and foster creative diversity.
With support from FFA Filmförderungsanstalt, MBB Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg
Gewächshaus is funded by Österreichisches Filminstitut, Filmfonds Wien, VdFs, Literar Mechana
Specific program details and registration information will follow.
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Who We Are
The BIPoC Alliance is a dynamic network uniting marginalized filmmakers, creatives with industry leaders. Founded during Berlinale 2024, our initiative continues to build bridges, share knowledge, and break barriers in the film sector. Through strategic events and collaborations, we ensure that BIPoC filmmakers are empowered and recognized as an integral part of the global film culture.
Our Goals
Strengthen and connect BIPoC networks internationally.
Enhance visibility for BIPoC talents in film.
Break down systemic barriers in the industry.
Empower the community through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Join Us at Berlinale 2025
This year, our events will take place at:
Grüner Salon at Volksbühne: Events and Masterclasses
Prince Charles: GLAM Reception and Party "Here to stay. Here to slay"
Discover masterclasses on filmmaking, and our community-driven celebrations. Together, let’s reshape the future of film.
Initiatives
A special alliance between RomaTrial, NewMotion, Gewächshaus, Schwarze Filmschaffende e.V., Berlin Asian Film Network together with Talent Over Privilege, Let’s Plant Stories, and Panthertainment. These platforms amplify marginalized voices and foster creative diversity.
Upcoming Events
February 18, 11am-12.30pm
Newcomer meet the Casting Directors
How are roles filled in German-speaking countries? What challenges do we face in an increasingly diverse society? How can we guarantee that different realities of life are represented and authentically casted? Actors and speakers of color are still affected by discrimination, stereotypical casting and underrepresentation. In this slot, casting directors are invited to enter into dialogue with marginalized actors and voice actors. The aim is to create a safe space to engage in a personal exchange. The aim is to break down barriers on both sides and enable new approaches.
In 2024, top-class casting directors such as Dorothee Weyers, Ana Dávila, Gwendolyn Clayton, Tanja Schuh, Tina Rinderspacher, Marion Haack, Christine Mattner and Daniela Tolkien took part.
Moderated by Hyun Wanner
February 18, 12.30-2.30pm
Masterclass: Telling Our Stories - New Ways of Film Production
We are thrilled to begin the event with a welcome address by Berlinale director, Tricia Tuttle, reinforcing our collective committment to change the industry.
How can we break free from preconceived notions and power structures in film making that have served to uphold the white gaze and perpetuate stereotypes? What does decolonizing film mean and which screws do we have to start turning in order to initiate change?
Join us for this masterclass to dive into best practice examples from BIPOC filmmakers at the Berlinale that not only stand out on screen, but also behind. We’ll focus on production practices that enable directors of the global majority to tell their stories on their own terms. From story development, to visual concept, lighting, art direction, hair & make-up to co-producing on equal terms, we’ll go through different stages of a film production that can be recast.
Moderated by Anouk Shad & Weina Zhao
Speakers:
Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese (Director „Ancestral Visions of the Future“, Berlinale Special 2025)
Meryam Joobeur (Director „Mé el Aïn“, Berlinale Competition 2024)
February 18, 3-4.30pm
Masterclass: Positioning our Stories -Navigating Labs and Film Festivals
Which cinematic forms and positions have a place at festivals? Who decides? How to stand out among 8,000 submissions to renowned festivals such as the Berlinale?
In this masterclass, filmmakers of colour will learn strategies for gaining visibility from experienced colleagues. A filmmaker will share how they successfully positioned their works at renowned festivals as emerging talents. A lab mentor will provide insights into how to qualify for a lab, the benefits of participation, and the significance of the networks that arise. A programmer will share their perspectives on what they look for in submissions and how filmmakers can strategically position themselves to get noticed.
This practice-oriented masterclass combines tools for overcoming exclusion with strategic discussions on diversity policy.
Moderated by Lena Whooo
Speakers:
Maissa Lihedheb (Writer, Director, Curator)
Selina Ukwuoma (Freelance Script Consultant, Mentor)
Gugi Gumilang (Programme Director, Film Programmer, Mentor, Jury Member)
* BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) refers to racially marginalized individuals, including (but not limited to) Black, Asian, Jewish, Muslim, Sintizze, and Romnja communities, as well as migrants and post-migrants who are affected by structural or institutionalized racism in the DACH context.
February 18, 8pm-03am
GLAM Reception & BIPoC Alliance Party Here to stay. Here to slay.
A vibrant closing event held at Prince Charles, providing a space for networking, exchange and celebrating the national and international BIPoC film community and allies, accompanied by DJs from the communities.
Photo Credits: Christian Tung Anh Nopper
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With support from FFA Filmförderungsanstalt, MBB
Gewächshaus is funded by Österreichisches Filminstitut, Filmfonds Wien, VdFs, Literar Mechana
