First Steps Awards honor emerging filmmakers in Berlin

The First Steps Awards were held on October 5, 2026, at the Theater des Westens in Berlin, honoring emerging film talent from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol. Hosted by Maximilian Mundt and Malaya Stern Takeda, the ceremony featured a new visual identity and logo designed to reflect a modern aesthetic.

Organized by the Deutsche Filmakademie in partnership with various industry leaders, the awards provide a critical bridge for filmmakers transitioning from academic training to professional careers. The event distributed a total of 132,000 euros across ten categories. Notable winners included Kilian Friedrich for Best Feature Film with ‘Ich verstehe Ihren Unmut’, Maximilian Conway for Best Mid-length Film with ‘Hasenfuss’, Hae-Sup Sin for Best Short Film with ‘Ban Dal’, and Daniela Magnani Hüller for Best Documentary.

Originally founded in 1999 by producers Bernd Eichinger and Nico Hofmann, the initiative remains one of the most prestigious honors for film graduates, evaluated by independent juries to recognize excellence in directing, producing, cinematography, acting, and screenwriting.