Görlitz: On the way to the film industry - opportunities and challenges

Görlitz: On the way to the film industry - opportunities and challenges

in Görlitz, the picturesque city on the Polish border, there are exciting developments in the film industry that manifest themselves in the founding of the Saxon Filmakademie GmbH. This new institution was launched by partners such as the Alliance of German Producers - Film and Television e.V., the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and Städtische Europastadt GmbH. The focus is on promoting regional film production and establishing Görlitz as a location for the film industry.

The official presentation of the Film Academy took place on August 19, and expectations are high. The political level, represented by the Saxon media minister Conrad Clemens, has emphasized that better conditions have to be created for German films so that they arise not only abroad, but also in Germany. According to Clemens, it is important to create an attractive environment for national and international film projects. The minister also expressed that Germany falls back in the production of films in international competition, which results in an urgent need for reform.

The role of the university and the economic perspectives

The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences plays a central role in this project. Rector Professor Alexander Kratzsch referred to the possibility of quickly certifying educational offers what the film industry benefits. In addition, the academy will also offer evening courses from the beginning of 2025 to give professionals the chance to gain a foothold in the film industry. The connection between education and film production could help win local talents and to develop the city from a scene city to a real film industrial city.

Grit Wißkirchen, who will lead the Film Academy as managing director, has ambitions to open up new perspectives from various areas. Cultural scientists could contribute innovative ideas, while manual professions are required to implement the cinematic setting. This connection between theory and practice could prove to be advantageous to use the regional resources and to promote film production.

A central discussion point during the press conference was the need to strengthen the credibility of scientific topics in film productions. Görlitz could take new ground with institutions such as the German Center for Astrophysics. The question of how science can be conveyed effectively in film formats could lead to an exciting interface between the academic world and the film industry.

However, there were also critical voices about the cooperation between public sector, science and private sector. Some are worried that this could lead to dependency in which public funding could nationalize the development of the film industry. Critics fear that this could endanger the innovative strength and dynamics of the market.

Görlitz as a film mechanism

The coming years could be decisive for Görlitz. The city has already served as a film set for productions such as "Wolfsland" in the past. While many cinema viewers are unaware that they see Görlitz in the pictures, the new film academy and active film production in the region could now be different. The focus on Görlitz as an independent place of action could have a positive impact on perception of the city.

The networks that are built up by Grit Wißkirchen in Canada, the Czech Republic and Poland could ensure that Görlitz is becoming more attractive as an international film location. Your contacts could not only lead to increasing production, but also to the city's application as a location for international film projects. Therefore, it remains to be seen how Görlitz will develop and whether it can actually succeed in establishing the city as the center of the film industry.

Till Scholtz-Knobloch / 24.08.2024

a central turning point for film culture

Developments in Görlitz could be the beginning of a new era for the German film industry. The creation of the film academy and the strategic partnerships not only promote the local economy, but also mobilize the creative potential of the region. If it is possible to bundle ideas and talents, Görlitz could actually become an important player in the international film world from a scene city.

The cultural importance of the film industry in Görlitz

The film industry in Görlitz plays an essential role not only for the economic development of the region, but also for its cultural identity. Historically, the city was an important hub for various cultural currents, which is reflected in its architecture and history. The establishment of a film academy could help enrich local culture with new stories and stories. Through project -related cooperation between filmmakers and local artists, Görlitz can be promoted as a creative space.

In addition, the city has already made a name for itself as a location, not least through productions such as 'Wolfsland'. Such projects give the city visibility and make them an interesting goal for tourists and film enthusiasts. In 2022, over 12,000 tourists Görlitz specifically attended film connections, which underlines the economic contribution of the film industry.

The role of the film academy for the economy

The foundation of the Saxon Film Academy is a strategic step to train young talents in the film area. The goal is not only to position Görlitz as a scene city, but also to develop it into an important location for the film industry. According to the statistics of the Allianz German producers- Film und Television e.V., film and television productions contribute significantly to regional added value.

The academy offers a platform for workshops and qualification measures that can benefit not only students, but also young professionals from other sectors. The need for well -trained specialists in areas such as directing, script and production is high, especially when you consider that Germany is still one of the best countries for film productions. With targeted offers, Görlitz could become a center for creative industries and create jobs that go beyond the film industry.

The tourist perspectives of Görlitz

Another aspect that needs to be considered is the impact of the film academy on tourism in Görlitz. As a part of a strategic initiative, the film industry could help position Görlitz as an attractive touristy goal. The historical backdrops and the unique landscapes of the city are already a magnet for visitors. Studies show that cities that are known as locations often have an increase in tourism.

In addition, Görlitz could create special film festivals or events that further increase interest in the city. Cooperation with international partners, especially from the film industry, would make it possible to position Görlitz as a multilingual and culturally diverse center. Such events could also support local entrepreneurs and ultimately promote the economic development of the region.

Another advantage could be the long -term support of local companies that would benefit from the increasing number of visitors and the increased interest in the city. These are important factors that can strengthen the entire region and help to position Görlitz in national and international context.