Seven Film Projects Receive Funding from Berlinale World Cinema Fund

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)

Germany

The Berlinale World Cinema Fund (WCF) announced seven funding recommendations at its 41st jury session, with production grants totaling €260,000. These funds aim to support diverse projects from Argentina, Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Indonesia, and Rwanda.

Among the selected projects is "Ghost Boat," a documentary by Tanim Yousuf and Kauser Haider from Bangladesh, which received €35,000. Other notable recipients include "Sleep No More" by Edwin from Indonesia (€50,000) and "La Reserva" by Ezequiel Yanco from Argentina (€35,000).

Prominent New Awards
This year also marked the introduction of the TUI Care Foundation Award, established through the TUI Colourful Cultures Programme in collaboration with the WCF. The award aims to support African filmmakers over the next three years. The inaugural prize of €40,000 was awarded to "Benimana," directed by Marie Clémentine Dusabejambo of Rwanda.

Additionally, the WCF Europe-TFL Audience Design Award, in partnership with the TorinoFilmLab, recognized the Brazilian project "A Margem do Rio," directed by Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho. This award provides expert consultancy on audience strategies to enhance the film's visibility.

20 Years of the World Cinema Fund
Founded in 2004, the WCF has played a pivotal role in democratizing international film production by supporting films from regions with limited infrastructure. Over two decades, the fund has significantly boosted the presence of films from WCF regions at major festivals.

"The increasing participation of directors from WCF regions has enriched global film culture," noted Vincenzo Bugno, head of the WCF. He emphasized the fund’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and expanding collaborations, supported by institutions such as the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Goethe-Institut.

Complete List of Funded Projects

1. "Sleep No More" / Edwin / Indonesia / €50,000
2. "Ghost Boat" / Tanim Yousuf & Kauser Haider / Bangladesh / €35,000
3. "La Reserva" / Ezequiel Yanco / Argentina / €35,000
4. "Scarlet Girls" / Paula Cury / Dominican Republic / €30,000
5. "Las locas de la Praviana" / Brenda Vanegas / El Salvador / €35,000
6. "The Message" / Iván Fund / Argentina / €35,000
7. "A Margem do Rio" / Matheus Farias & Enock Carvalho / Brazil / Audience Design Support