After a successful launch of JFBB Pro last year—with renowned panel guests, an engaged audience, and insightful discussions—we are pleased to present the next edition of JFBB Pro, the industry section of the Jewish Film Festival Berlin Brandenburg.

On Festival Friday, May 9, participants can look forward to a program of panel discussions and – for the first time – project presentations, covering topics like cultural diversity in film and Israeli-Palestinian cooperation between filmmakers, while also offering a platform for new film ideas and emerging talents.

The event is primarily aimed at representatives of the film industry and filmmakers.

Attending JFBB pro is free of charge, but registration is required. Make sure to save your seat by sending an email to: pro@jfbb.info

Programme
jfbb-pro-invitation

FRI 09.05.2025
Location: Filmkunst 66
(Bleibtreustraße 12, 10623 Berlin)

––––––––––––
10.30 – 12.00
Talk
Diversity up for debate? Film industry and film culture in troubled times
Current political shifts and social changes—both in Germany and internationally—are having are affecting the funding, production, and exhibition of films. Funding cuts and a shifting political climate raise questions about the future of the progress made in promoting diverse narratives and filmmaking. Is this progress at risk? What challenges arise for the representation of cultural diversity in film, and how is the visibility of Jewish perspectives on screen affected? What strategies can be used to ensure that these voices remain a vital part of cinema?

WITH
Heleen Gerritsen // Deutsches Filminstitut Filmmuseum, goEast Film Festival
Sara Sommerfeldt // Managing Director of Rising Gaze
Daniel Robbins // Director and screenwriter, BAD SHABBOS
Joe Stephenson (t.b.c.) // Director, MIDAS MAN
Jeanine Meerapfel (t.b.c.) // Director, Screenwriter, Former President of Akademie der Künste

––––––––––––
13.00 – 14.45
Presentation
Showcase: Dagesh

Dagesh – Jewish Art in Context by DialoguePerspectives e.V. enables the visibility of diverse artistic forms of expression by Jews. As a platform and network, Dagesh has been exploring a contemporary, confident, and forward-looking Jewish identity since its founding. Current films from the Dagesh network are presented here.

dagesh-programme

In cooperation with Dagesh – Jewish Art in Context by DialoguePerspectives e.V.
––––––––––––
15.15 – 16.15
Presentation
Talents – Projects – Perspectives
Filmmakers provide insights into their current projects in development or production – from short films to documentaries to childrenʼs films.

Eva Lezzi, Anna Praßler: DER GOLEM UND DIE FREUNDSCHAFTSPOWER

Anton Spevak: RAVENSBRÜCK – CONCENTRATION CAMP, MEMORIAL, WORKPLACE (WT)

Esther Zimmering: DIE DREI LEBEN DER LEA GRUNDIG (WT)

Michael Uchenik: SAFE SHORE
––––––––––––
16.45 – 17.45
Talk
The Israeli-Palestinian Cinematic Spaces – Between Identity and Constraint
How do Palestinian and Jewish or Israeli and Arab filmmakers cooperate? How has this relationship changed since October 7? How do the respective communities and politicians react? What hopes are associated with such collaborations, where are the boundaries and how do filmmakers who are caught in the middle fare?

WITH
Yousef Abo Madegem (Director, EID)
Neta Shoshani (Director, 1948: REMEMBER, REMEMBER NOT)
Baher Agbariya (Film Producer)

Supported by the Federal Agency for Civic Education.