There's a lot to watch and see in Potsdam. Not only on screen, but also behind the scenes. The camera does not stand still. Potsdam has a long national and international film tradition. In 1911, the company Deutsche Bioskop, founded in 1899, laid the foundation stone for Studio Babelsberg, the oldest large-scale film studio in the world and the biggest film studio in Europe. Marlene Dietrich and Heinz Rühmann were the star idols at UFA, whereas these days George Clooney, Matt Damon or Tom Hanks choose to make their movies in Potsdam-Babelsberg. In 2019, Potsdam was designated the first German UNESCO Creative City of Film.
Experiencing Filmmaking
Filmmakers from all over the world come to our fascinating city to shoot blockbusters like Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglorious Basterds and Bridge of Spies as well as famous series' such as Berlin Station, Babylon Berlin and Homeland. Not only do they find a perfect infrastructure at Studio Babelsberg but also well-educated talents. Just next to the film studios the Film University Babelsberg is a breeding ground for new talents in film production, acting, film music, animation and much more. It is the oldest and biggest film academy in Germany.
The over 100 year’s old history of filmmaking in Potsdam can be experienced at the Filmmuseum Potsdam, located in the former horse stables of the Prussian kings. Its exhibition Dreamfactory – 100 Years Film in Babelsberg shows the process of film creation from the first idea to the premiere in an experience-oriented and entertaining way. In 1993, Filmpark Babelsberg, a film based theme-park, opened its gates. Every year, the park is visited by several hundred thousand people, mainly families.
Film enthusiasts from Germany and other countries are drawn to Potsdam by the city`s film festival culture. The international Film Festival Sehsüchte has developed into Europe`s largest student film festival.
Did you know?
Creating the film Woman in the Moon (1929), director Fritz Lang was faced with the challenge of how to increase the audience’ tension during the take-off of the moon rocket. Those days films were still silent, todays common sound effects weren’t a choice. Eventually he decided to show numbers counting down from 10 to 0. The count-down was born!
As a last tip we recommend that you keep your eyes open during a walk through Potsdam. You may notice the outdoor film sets of some well-known productions! From Homeland to Bridge of Spies, Potsdam's historic city centre is an excellent film setting. Not infrequently, streets are closed due to shooting or familiar faces run into you while strolling. Imagine you're having a coffee in the Dutch Quarter with Claire Danes sitting across from you...! Potsdam lives and breathes the film, come here and convince yourself.