The Master Program Film at Hamburg Media School is the smallest and most unique film academy among the seven schools for film in Germany. In consideration of its small size of only 24 Students our filmacademy is the most successful in Germany: The twelve movies per annum are regularly screened on about 500 national and international festivals and earn about 50 awards annually, for example three Student Academy Awards in 2003, 2005 and 2011. Furthermore, the Hamburg Media School is the only academy in Germany where students get the academic degree ‘Master of Arts in Film’. According to this, the requirements for applications are on a high level.

Talent, a first degree that shows a special interest in media, an outstanding passion for movies and a deep knowledge of film as well as first steps in the media-business are basic requirements for an application. However, we are open for exceptional cases when real talent is given. It is important to know that the program demands a fulltime presence over 24 months including long working days and weekend work. 

Making movies always means a situation of controlled chaos between visions and economy, handcraft and magic. And although skills, handcraft and economics can be taught, as well as magic and visions, in the end, there’s no guarantee for final success. Every masterclass is different and requires its own ways of working and thinking. The changing business, new techniques and differing awareness are making the difference – but especially the individual lifes and ideas of our young filmmakers. We share their love for movies and accompany them on their way.

Our department managers and lecturers are the best filmers, authors, producers, cameramen and directors that we know. Each of them is working on their own projects while teaching at Hamburg Media School to keep their professional networks and skills alive. This assures that our students work together with future colleagues, who prove their knowledge and skills in everyday worklife and - furthermore – very well know, what they teach. Together they stand for film as a current keymedium, and for lifelong fun working with it.

The Hamburg Film Program has been educating producers, directors, script writers and camera designers for well over eighteen years. Works produced by students have won many awards, including, on three occasions, the Student Oscar from the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science; awarded to the creators  of “The Red Jacket” in 2003, to the creators of “The Runaway” in 2005 and to creators of "Raju" in 2011. "Raju" is an Oscar® Nominee, Category Short Film (Live Action) in 2012. "Raju" is available on iTunes.