news / Alumni
The film project »Maya with Y« by ifs alumnus and director Elmar Imanov and co-writer Banafshe Hourmazdi was awarded the “Kompagnon Fellowship” grant—supported by the Filmförderungsanstalt FFA—as part of the Berlinale (photo). ifs graduate Eva Blondiau is handling production. In addition to a 5,000-euro grant for independent screenplay or project development, the “Kompagnon” offers a mentoring programme to strengthen the artists’ distinctive artistic style, on-the-job coaching, and enhanced networking opportunities within the industry, each valued at 3,000 euros.
ifs alumni Duc-Thi Bui and Philipp Lutz are the winners of the 2026 Thomas Strittmatter Prize. They were honored for their screenplay for the drama »Malibu«. The prize, worth 20,000 euros, is one of the most highly endowed screenplay awards in Germany. It is sponsored by MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg.
“Malibu” tells the story of 17-year-olds Jonas and David, who meet while battling cancer—a story of closeness, friendship, and love, told with great sensitivity and cinematic power. The jury, chaired by Laila Stieler, described the screenplay as “outstanding” and particularly praised the writers’ approach to their characters as well as the lightness and magic of the narrative.
The award was presented during a festive MFG reception at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation by Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture and Media (MWK) of Baden-Württemberg, and MFG Managing Director Carl Bergengruen. Actress Anne Ratte-Polle provided a special highlight of the evening with a staged reading from the screenplay.
The adventure film »Mein Freund Barry« (Dir.: M. Welter) opens in theaters on 19 March. The team included ifs alumni Thorsten Sabel (set designer), Markus Schütz (art director), Lea Preuße (assistant art director), Katja Schlömer (set decorator), Katia Kandziora (set decoration buyer), and ifs student Dominik Salcher (lighting assistant).
The immersive mixed-reality drama »Lionia Is Leaving« by Volodymyr Kolbasa, an alumnus of the MA in Digital Narratives programme, will premiere at SXSW South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.