• The second Short Film Contest challenges the next generation of filmmakers from around the world to test their creativity and see their stories produced
• Alongside the Berlinale, Studio Babelsberg also joins the partnership, contributing to the jury panel for the second edition of the contest
• Last year’s edition of The Dream Makers had over 400 participants from 15 countries, with the winners announced at the Sitges Film Festival 2024

CUPRA keeps strengthening its commitment to young talent in the industry of cinema with a new edition of its Short Film Contest: The Dream Makers. Announced in collaboration with the Berlinale as part of the partnership between CUPRA and the Berlin International Film Festival, this second edition of the competition is a new opportunity to test the creativity of young filmmakers from all over the world and bring their projects to life. 

“Cinema is one of the most powerful artistic expressions, capable of provoking strong emotions through passionate stories. As a brand for the next generation, CUPRA will continue to look for ways to provide a platform for emerging talent and help them to bring those stories to light,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA. “After the success of the first edition of The Dream Makers, we are very excited to be partnering with the Berlinale and Studio Babelsberg to support the next generation of extraordinary filmmakers,” he added.

"Supporting emerging talent in cinema is at the heart of the Berlinale's mission, and CUPRA's shared vision makes them an ideal partner for us," said Tricia Tuttle, Berlinale Director. "The Dream Makers initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to champion the next wave of filmmakers, and we’re thrilled to be part of this exciting new edition."

Announced at the CUPRA City Garage Berlin at the EFP’s press presentation of the European Shooting Stars 2025, this new edition of The Dream Makers aims once again to discover and promote the talent of young filmmakers.

A jury composed of CUPRA’s CEO Wayne Griffiths, CUPRA ambassadors J.A. Bayona, and Daniel Brühl, the Berlinale and Studio Babelsberg will select a shortlist of finalists who will receive mentoring and support to take their project to the big screen. The winner will be announced on the occasion of the Berlinale 2026 and will see their project funded by CUPRA in collaboration with Studio Babelsberg who will provide support in production, including mentoring. 

“The first edition of The Dream Makers demonstrated the desire of the new generations to share their stories in disruptive formats. Helping them take their ideas from the page to the screen was an extremely rewarding experience that we want to repeat now, and the Berlinale is an excellent opportunity to explore what the new generations have to say,” emphasised CUPRA ambassador and film director J.A. Bayona.

"Being on the jury of the first edition of The Dream Makers was incredibly inspiring," said Daniel Brühl. "The projects we discovered were truly moving, and I’m excited to see what new, undiscovered talent the next edition will bring. It's a privilege to be part of this journey and witness the dreams of young filmmakers turn into reality."

“We are true believers that great stories deserve to be told, and that the evolution of our industry relies on emerging voices and their vision of diversity, inclusion and freedom. We are delighted to partner on this initiative,” added Joerg Bachmaier, CEO of Studio Babelsberg.

This new edition of The Dream Makers aims to surpass the success of the first competition. Organised in collaboration with the Spanish film director and CUPRA Tribe member, J.A. Bayona and ESCAC, the Short Film Contest received 400 proposals from 15 different countries. The two winners were announced at the Sitges Film Festival 2024 and were awarded with the production of their short films. 

CUPRA continues to highlight the importance of cinema with a new edition of The Dream Makers: Short Film contest and as Principal Partner and official mobility partner of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, reinforcing its commitment to creativity and innovation. The partnership is based on a shared vision on the importance of promoting cultural exchange and exploration in the world of cinema and exploring new narratives around sustainability and inclusion. CUPRA’s fleet of zero-emission vehicles will be responsible for transporting guests of honour at the festival, as well as the teams to their respective premieres and events.