FOR FUTURE CURATORS
Call for Participants: New Curators Project. Application Deadline: May 12.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
New Curators offers aspiring participants aged 20 to 35 the opportunity to research and assemble their first film short film programs while developing their own curatorial voice. The project aims to promote diversity in film culture by providing a platform for those who otherwise lack opportunities for an entry into the world of film curation. The project concludes with a public showcase of the programs at the 20th Short Film Festival Cologne.
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, this project returns for its second edition, now hosted as a collaboration between Filmhaus Köln and the Short Film Festival Cologne.
PROJECT TIMELINE AND STRUCTURE
The project begins in June 2026 with intensive workshops for a maximum of nine participants, divided into three groups. The program is enriched by guest lectures from external experts. A central part of this qualification phase is a guided research trip to archives in Berlin, including the Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art and SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
In August, the curatorial development follows: participants will design their programs and submit their final selection lists and accompanying texts by mid-September.
The subsequent organizational phase by the KFFK will culminate in the public presentation of the three curated programs at the 20th Short Film Festival Cologne from November 23 to 29, 2026.
Participants receive a €500 allowance, a €200 travel subsidy, and accommodation in Berlin during the excursion. Other costs are not covered.
KEY DATES
- First Workshop Block: June 5–6
- Excursion to Berlin: June 12 (arrival) – June 14 (departure from 3:00 PM)
- Second Workshop Block: July 10–11
- Third Workshop Block: August 7–8
- August: Individual consultation and group supervision period
- Meeting with KFFK (post-workshops): September 11
- Festival Week: November 23–29
The workshops take place exclusively on-site at Filmhaus Köln, Maybachstrasse 111, 50670 Cologne. Online participation is not possible. Attendance at the Berlin excursion is also a mandatory part of the project. Consistent attendance and active participation are required.
APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Aspiring curators are invited to apply. Participation offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and network with established curators and the film scene in NRW.
Young people aged 20 to 35 from Cologne and the surrounding area from diverse backgrounds are welcome to apply. The project specifically targets individuals who have not yet had experience or an entry point into film curation. Prior experience is not required, but a strong affinity for film and a desire to experiment are essential.
Application: Please send a short letter of motivation (in German or English), including a description of a curatorial idea, and a CV (no photo) to: newcurators@filmhaus-koeln.de. Please also indicate your preferred (working) language: German, English, or both.
Application deadline: May 12, 2026.
Filmhaus Köln and the KFFK are committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We explicitly invite people of all backgrounds, social positions, and identities to apply. Applications from people with severe disabilities (and those treated as such) are also highly encouraged. Members of groups underrepresented in the cultural sector will be given preference in the case of equal suitability and qualification.
For questions, please contact: newcurators@filmhaus-koeln.de.
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
The goal is to establish a more diverse film culture community and create a young, transnational network for NRW. In addition to practical aspects of film curation, general and structural elements will be discussed, such as: How are short film programs selected and assembled? What practical considerations are necessary regarding research, screening rights, and financial aspects? How is an individual work dramaturgically integrated into a program and how does it engage in dialogue with other films? What are the working conditions and fees for (freelance) film curators in NRW? What is the current funding situation?
PROJECT LEAD
The conception and implementation of the workshops will be led by Seggen Mikael.
Seggen Mikael is a freelance cultural manager, programmer, moderator, and author. She curates (film)programs, social media appearances, talks, and organizes projects focusing on marginalized communities. She works as a programmer for the Berlinale (Generation) and DOK Leipzig and was recently the project manager for the Toolbox programs of the European Film Market (Berlinale). Additionally, she is part of the advisory collective DisChecks and the Programmers of Colour Collective. Currently, she is a freelance lecturer in Film Studies at the Free University of Berlin. Her work focuses on film/art and media, intersectional discrimination, inclusion, and equity.
ABOUT US
Filmhaus Köln is a meeting place for film culture with an impact both within North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and nationwide. It is where the audience and the film scene connect. It is open to a diverse range of people to experience cinematic art, engage in critical exchange, work practically or curatorially on film projects, or participate in educational programs.
The KFFK/Short Film Festival Cologne will take place for the 20th time in November 2026, bringing together classic short film formats with innovative ones. At its core are all forms of artistic short film. Through events such as Shorts on Wheels—a combination of a bike tour and public short film screenings—as well as many free and accessible programs, the KFFK works to create low-barrier opportunities.
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
Fotocredit: Filmhaus Köln/Doerthe Boxberg
