Paving the Way for Change

Last Tuesday, our wonderful jury faced a great challenge: six outstanding projects had to be selected for the Good Media Pitch programme from over fifty impressive submissions. The jury consisted of impact veterans Ana Castañosa Bielsa (Head of Industry, FIFDH), Khadidja Benouataf (President of the Social Impact Club) and Valentin Thurn (filmmaker and producer) as well as Alexandra Dorisca (Creative Producer).

The project is supported by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, which enables us to invite these selected projects to Berlin for the kick-off with the Good Media Lab at the beginning of July. In addition to the support from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, we are grateful for the support of AG DOK - the German Documentary Association and The Storyboard Collective. For three intensive days, the lab will take place in the beautiful Atelier Gardens, which provide the perfect backdrop with their inspiring surroundings. Here, the participants will have the opportunity to work on their impact strategies together with renowned experts such as Ally Derks (founder and long-standing director of IDFA), Ben Kempas (impact producer from Scotland and Germany) and Karin Kiehn (Olin Foundation).

The aim of the lab is to provide the projects with a sustainable basis. Accompanying campaigns will not only raise awareness and increase viewership, but also initiate positive change in our world. These endeavours are crucial to promoting social change and having a lasting impact on the media landscape.

The Good Media Lab promises to be a transformative experience where creative minds come together to forge ideas, develop strategies and ultimately make the world a better place through the power of media. We can't wait to follow the journey of these six outstanding projects and see their development.

A special look ahead to the pitch in October during the Dokumentale. Not only will the projects be presented here, but there will also be a comprehensive industry programme with workshops and panels. Accreditation is possible from the end of July.

Here are the six selected projects:

• »The Children of Korntal«
• »Sisterqueens«
• »No Place Like Home«
• »Ice Builders«
• »Between our Backyards«
• »Abseits - Eichi and the FC Pio«

And by the way:
Shortly after the Lab, we will be back at the Atelier Gardens as part of our Summer Preview to present the impressive documentary film "Kabul Beauty" about female resilience. "Kabul Beauty" is a moving portrait of women who show strength and courage despite the most adverse circumstances. This film is a shining example of how stories in the media can not only inform, but also inspire and encourage change.