The Dream Makers
The Dream Makers is an international short film contest launched by CUPRA in collaboration with Studio Babelsberg, to support the next generation of cinematic storytellers by enabling and financing the production of the winning project. The application and selection process is facilitated by Berlin International Film Festival and Berlinale Talents within the framework of their partnership with CUPRA, and therefore applications are open to current and former participants of Berlinale Talents and its Talents International initiatives. The winning filmmaker will receive full production funding (€180,000–€250,000), expert mentoring from industry leaders like J.A. Bayona and Daniel Brühl, and access to Berlinale Talents events, festival accreditation and more. The winner will be announced at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (12–22 February 2026), with all five finalists invited to attend, their travel and accommodation covered by CUPRA. For full application details, visit our website.
Who can apply?
Filmmakers who have previously been selected for Berlinale Talents or any of its Talents international initiatives are eligible to apply. Applicants must have been born between 1990 and 2008, demonstrate fluency in English, and currently be developing a short film project of any topic or genre. In addition, the filmmaker must be the rightful owner of the project, with the understanding and agreement of all team members, as well as any legal or financial partners, regarding the application.
What kind of project can I submit?
You can apply with a short fiction films, with a particular interest in projects that address topical social issues - stories that matter and spark conversation. Your project can be produced in any country, with a maximum running time of 25 minutes and a shoot lasting no longer than 8 days. While proposals must be presented in English, the final film may be in any language, opening the door to diverse voices and perspectives. Each applicant may submit only one original, unpublished project per call – no adaptations of pre-existing works or anything which has been previously disseminated. Projects cannot be already tied to grants or subsidies, or submitted to contests, awards, festivals. This is your chance to bring forward a powerful story that resonates and inspires.
What will I take away?
The winner of the DREAM MAKERS contest will see their short film project brought to life with production funding of €180,000–€250,000, provided and managed by CUPRA. The winning project will be announced at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (12–22 February 2026), where you’ll also receive a Berlinale festival accreditation and access to Berlinale Talents panels and networking events. Alongside this, you’ll benefit from an exclusive mentoring session with Berlinale Talents experts, plus in-depth workshops led by acclaimed industry figures such as J.A. Bayona and Daniel Brühl to prepare your project for production. Travel and accommodation for all five finalists will be covered, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the Berlinale experience and connect with a global community of filmmakers.
Applications for the 2026 edition are open to Berlinale Talents alumni until 13 Jan 2026, noon CET.
To apply, log in to your Talents Profile here and follow the link to The Dream Makers application on your Dashboard.