PrepClass

The PrepClass prepares prospective international students for their application at the Film University.

Dates: 21-25 April & 18-22 May 2026 Language: English
Number of participants: 15 Location: Film University Babelsberg
Cost: Participation is free of charge  

At the PrepClass, international prospective students receive comprehensive information on the wide range of study opportunities at the Film University Babelsberg - from Bachelor's to Master's degree. If you would like to apply for a degree course in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing or production, we will support you with your application.

We especially welcome applications from prospective students with a refugee background.

Apply now! (Application deadline: 1 March 2026) 

Content & Objectives

The PrepClass is aimed at anyone interested in studying at Film University Babelsberg and who wants to specifically prepare for the application process. It offers practical insights into the requirements and actively supports participants in creating their portfolio.

The three central elements of the application – letter of motivation, portfolio, and the visual task in case of an invitation – are the main focus. Together with current and former students, participants will go through the different aspects of the application, clarify individual questions, and receive feedback.

1. Understanding Your Own Path – Reflection and Analysis

An important part of the PrepClass is reflecting on one's own artistic path. Participants will assess where they currently stand with their work, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and consider the right timing for their application. Through group discussions, they will have the opportunity to present and review their own projects, exchange thoughts with peers, and gain new perspectives. Former students will share their personal experiences, provide insights into their application materials and films, and answer questions about the study program and career opportunities.

2. Letter of Motivation & Portfolio Work – Creating the Application Documents

A convincing portfolio is the heart of the application. In the PrepClass, participants will explore the structure and composition of a strong letter of motivation.Using examples, they will analyze successful letters before drafting their own and refining them through feedback sessions.

The visual task or application film will also be discussed in detail. Participants will gain an understanding of the specific requirements while also identifying areas of creative freedom. Through collaborative discussions, they will develop initial ideas and explore strategies for implementation, even when working with limited resources.

3. Filmmaking Exercises – Gaining Practical Experience

In addition to theoretical discussions, practical work is also a key component.

In two exercises – one documentary and one fictional scene – participants will collaborate in small groups. They will be guided by current students from different fields at the Film University. This way, they gain practical insights into collaboration in film production.

Instructors

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Đức Ngô Ngọc

Đức Ngô Ngọc is a Vietnamese-German director and writer. His films, such as Fruit & Vegetables, Farewell Halong, and Trading Happiness, explore experiences of migration. Trading Happiness was nominated three times for the FIRST STEPS Award in 2020 and won the Audience Award at the Max Ophüls Prize. He studied Media Art in Weimar and Directing in Babelsberg, with a study stay in Hanoi. In 2022, he was awarded the Dieter Baacke Prize for his workshop series Dreh’s Um, designed for Vietnamese-German youth. Ngô Ngọc blends documentary and fiction, works with non-professional actors, and employs hybrid storytelling techniques. In addition to feature films, he has directed episodes for the series Wir, Echt, and Made in Germany (2024). His current project, HA-NEU/BERLIN, has been nominated for the German Screenplay Award 2025.
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Sarah Noa Ngô Ngọc

Sarah Noa Ngô Ngọc is a writer and director born in Freiburg. She grew up as a Third Culture Kid in Addis Ababa, an experience that continues to shape her perspective and approach as a filmmaker. Her award-winning films Medanit and Among Us Women explore sociopolitical aspects of womanhood, foregrounding feminist perspectives and collaborative storytelling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Emily Carr University and a Master’s degree from the Film University Babelsberg, combining educational experiences from North America and Germany. Together with her husband Đức Ngô Ngọc, Sarah Noa leads the film workshop Dreh’s Um for Vietnamese-German youth, actively advocating for greater diversity within the German film industry. In 2022, she was selected for the prestigious Face to Face campaign by German Films, representing German cinema internationally as an ambassador.

Application & Admission

The PrepClass is designed for international prospective students, particularly individuals with a refugee background who are living in Germany and wish to apply for a degree program at the Film University. Applicants must be of legal age and should have some initial practical experience in filmmaking.

To apply, please complete the application form and upload your current CV. Required fields in the form are marked with an *.

Regardless of whether you are interested in a Bachelor's or Master's program, the PrepClass provides an introduction to the artistic study programs Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Production and Editing, along with their respective admission requirements.

Unfortunately, we are unable to cover other study programs, as their application and selection processes are highly specific. Please refer to the respective program's website for more information.

The selection interviews will take place online from 10 March to 12 March. Admission decisions will be sent out by 16 March.

Contact

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