Friends of Berlin Critics’ Week

Friends of Berlin Critics’ Week

GET THE APPLICATION FORM HERE.
THE DATA PROTECTION INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE (GERMAN).

Since 2015, Critics’ Week has run parallel to the Berlinale as a space where screenings are combined with debates on the present and future of cinema. The festival was initiated by the German Film Critics Association with the aim of exploring a different way of talking about film, namely, one that combines a film-critical perspective with an environment that’s free from economic imperatives—not currently possible at traditional film festivals.

Sustained press coverage and the enthusiastic participation of nearly 400 international guests in the first ten years of Critics’ Week confirm that, since its inception, it has occupied an important place in the German and international film landscape, lauded for nurturing a culture of debate and a sense of the significance of cinemas as places of social participation and discussion.

And yet, all of the powerful screenings and debates of the Berlin Critics’ Week would be impossible without the work of volunteers. Even today, the festival is still largely based on the voluntary commitment of film critics and cultural workers. Critics’ Week is part of Berlin’s independent cultural scene, and its funding situation changes from year to year, with funding applications having to be resubmitted annually.

That is why we want to expand upon the support provided by institutional donors and dedicated employees by creating a circle of private supporters. The goal of the Freundeskreis, or the “Friends of Berlin Critics’ Week” community, is to strengthen the work of the team and to reward them appropriately even in the event of a dip in funding.

Become a Friend of Berlin Critics’ Week

In creating this new support network, we want to invite all Friends of Berlin Critics’ Week to get involved with the festival and exchange ideas with the core team via regular (opt-in) meetings. Members can gain insight into the festival’s work, contribute their own ideas, and make new connections. If desired, a member’s name will be listed on the Berlin Critics’ Week website and also included in a press release. Of course,all Friends of Berlin Critics’ Week receive free access to all festival events.

The minimum contribution for membership in our support network is €100 per year. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to talking with you and to bringing the Berlin Critics’ Week into a shared future.

With collegial regards, 

The Board of the German Film Critics Association (Thomas Abeltshauser, Matthias Dell, Anne Küper, Ana Stanic, Hannes Wesselkämper)

The Berlin Critics’ Week Collective (Amos Borchert, Elena Friedrich, Till Kadritzke, Petra Palmer, Dennis Vetter)

Contact:
Dennis Vetter
freundeskreis[at]wochederkritik.de