Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin
The dffb opened in 1966 and for many years was headed by Heinz Rathsack. This era saw the release of the first works by the directors of the "Young German Cinema." The dffb founders believed that supporting young talent would provide fresh artistic impetus for German cinema. Since that time the dffb has been closely linked to major developments in the German film world: the political documentary in the late 1960s, the Berlin "labour films" in the 1970s and later the young feature-film makers of the 1980s. Reinhard Hauff, who took over as head of the dffb in 1993, placed greater emphasis on professionalism in the course programme, shifted the overall focus towards the practical side of filmmaking, and intensified cooperation with TV broadcasters and with producers and film distributors.
The academy trains students in the 'classical' fields of directing and cinematography. At the end of the 1990s an additional programme was set up for film producing. The institute operates four-year programmes: two years for general studies, and two years for the student's chosen specialisation.
The "script academy" runs a two-year course for script writers. An extension course in TV production is open to film and television professionals with at least two years' experience.
Applicants must be at least 21 and under 30 years old (or 35 for the script writing and TV producer programmes). Prerequisites include a knowledge of English and PC skills. Work experience or studies in related areas are helpful. Applicants from abroad must demonstrate sufficient German language skills.
Director, from January 2006: Hartmut Bitomsky. From health reasons, he'll retire end of July, 2009
Frank Arnold (publ.): Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (dffb). Eine Retrospektive 1966-1986. Oberhausen (Westdeutsche Kurzfilmtage – International Short Film Festival Oberhausen) 1986. [In German]
