In a first, two leading international film schools initiated a 10-day programme, aimed at empowering excellence for alumnae of both schools.
After a competitive submission process, 12 female graduates from both film schools were selected for this inaugural programme designed at addressing and breaking down the limited access to influential professionals by bringing talented female filmmakers together, empowering them and connecting them with the industry.

The group met initially in Cologne for an intensive, four-day workshop on self-leadership, networking, negotiation, and strategic career building. The programme continued onto Berlin for additional networking, screenings and masterclasses during the Berlin International Film Festival, including intimate meetings with industry leaders such as Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro and Nataly Kudiabor, the managing producer at UFA. The delegation was also a guest at the reception hosted by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. Access to female role models during the 10-day programme allowed these young women to connect with examples of success. The feedback from all participants was glowing and underscores the relevance of such a programme.

Nadja Radojevic, chief executive director of the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln said: 
“Through this programme, we empower talented female filmmakers to strengthen their artistic voice, advance their careers, and build meaningful international connections. In these times, personal exchange and international dialogue are more important than ever. Our thanks go to the State of North Rhine-Westphalia for their support and to the wonderful team at the Sam Spiegel Film School for this inspiring collaboration.”

Dana Blankstein Cohen, executive director of the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School said: "The day after graduation is an integral part of our mission and connecting our alumni to the heart of international filmmaking is a significant boost to their professional future. We are determined to continue to build an alternative for the talented next generation while constructing a bridge to the international industry. We are grateful to the ifs for being our partners; to the Berlinale and the EFM and of course to our funders who helped realise the joint vision of empowering female excellence in the film industry."

The programme was funded by the Office of North Rhine-Westphalia for Economic Affairs, Science, Education, Youth and Culture in Israel as part of the initiative ‘Shalom – Chaveruth: Solidarity Partnerships NRW-Israel’ by the Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Head of the State Chancellery.