Diversity in German film

Films ought to depict social diversity as realistically as possible. For this reason, more is to be done in future to promote diversity and inclusion in German cinema.

Men are often portrayed more diversely than women 

According to a 2020 study by the MaLisa Foundation and the University of Rostock, there has been a higher share of women in German films in recent years. In the fictional productions analysed, almost half the leading roles were played by women. But women are often portrayed in a less diverse way than men. Female protagonists tend to be young and slim, and they are often portrayed in the context of relationships. By contrast, men are often portrayed as having a prestigious profession, and they are sometimes shown as being overweight, for example. For this reason, there are a number of initiatives in Germany dedicated to ensuring that films do more to reflect the realities of life as experienced by everyone. 

Taking action to increase diversity and inclusion 

Even though there is a positive trend towards more diversity in German film, challenges remain. A lot of film sets are not yet accessible, while certain groups are still underrepresented in German film, such as people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and people of colour. For this reason, German broadcasters ARD, ZDF, Deutsche Welle, RTL and ProSieben have founded an alliance for media and diversity. They now provide questionnaires for directors to help them cast as realistically as possible with the aim of increasing diversity. Film festivals in Germany such as the Berlinale are strengthening their commitment to diversity, both in the juries and in the films that are shown. Since 2023, there has also been a new filter and search function on the platform “Filmmakers” which makes it easier for agencies and production companies to find actors and actresses with disabilities when they are casting roles.  

Inclusive training opportunities at drama schools 

Inclusion and diversity in film start with training. This is why more and more German drama schools are now offering inclusive courses and programmes. In Wuppertal, there is an inclusive drama studio called Glanzstoff which runs courses for people with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, while the Cologne drama school DER KELLER established an inclusive drama training programme in August 2023.