European Commission - Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology

02/12/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/12/2026 06:19

16 EU supported films at Berlinale 2026 as Creative Europe MEDIA celebrates 35 years anniversary

The 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) begins today with sixteen EU-supported films featured at the festival.

© Berlinale

The European works received a total of €1,170,500 in funding under the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme and several are shortlisted for prestigious awards: À voix basse and Dust are competing for both the 'Golden' and 'Silver Bear' awards. The winners will be announced at the Berlinale Awards Ceremony on 21 February. 

As in previous years, the European Commission will once again be present both at the festival and at the European Film Market, taking place at the same time.

One of the world's leading film festivals, the Berlinale is a key annual meeting point for film professionals and audiences alike. Beyond its cultural significance, it provides an important platform for industry exchanges on current trends and future challenges in the audiovisual sector.

Creative Europe MEDIA: Lessons for the Future

A central highlight of the Commission's participation will be the event 'Creative Europe MEDIA: Lessons for the Future', taking place on 14 February. In this session, the Commission will present results of an in-depth evaluation of the Creative Europe MEDIA programme, examining the impact of EU funding on the audiovisual sector over the past decade. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with industry representatives.

MEDIA 35 years anniversary

In 2026, the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme also marks its 35th anniversary. Over the past three and a half decades, MEDIA has supported European audiovisual content while promoting cultural diversity and strengthening the competitiveness of the sector. The programme continues to adapt to technological developments and changing consumption habits, covering film, television, video games and immersive content. The success of the MEDIA programme paves the way to the proposed AgoraEU programme, which strengthens support to the audiovisual industry as well as the news media sector.

Want to learn more? Come visit our stand (Gropius Bau - C2).

Initiatives supported by the European Commission

The European Commission also supports several flagship Berlinale initiatives, including the Berlinale Co-Production Market, funded with €4.1 million over three years, and Berlinale Talents and Shooting Stars, the later supported through Creative Europe MEDIA with €555,400. All initiatives foster international collaboration and talent development. 

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Berlin International Film Festival to screen 16 EU-funded films

Press release| 12 February 2026

Sixteen European productions supported by Creative Europe Media, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, are featuring at the 76th edition of the Berlinale, one of the most prestigious international film festivals.

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