We want to give our students a natural approach to diversity in their films that critically questions their own position as storytellers and avoids (unreflected) stereotypical attributions.

As part of the declaration of commitment together with five other German film schools, the “Gender in Progress” programme was founded at Filmakademie in 2018 and expanded in 2021 to “Gender & Diversity in Progress”.

The aim of the series is to sensitise the filmmakers of tomorrow with events such as workshops, coaching, seminars, lectures, and panel discussions for a gender- and diversity-conscious creative process in front of and behind the camera.

Lucca Veyhl and Aida Begović have been working as Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Coordinators for six German film schools at the FABW since summer 2023 .

As part of the Netflix project “Boosting the Next Generation: Promoting Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion at Film Schools”, the two are job-sharing to support the film schools on their journey to equip the next generation of filmmakers with the skills for diverse and inclusive storytelling.

Counselling and support in cases of discrimination and harassment:

We provide counselling and information if you are affected by discrimination or harassment: on the complaints procedure, on options for conflict resolution and on internal and external support services. In individual cases, we advise on options for action and protection and offer support in initiating a complaints procedure, upon request. We can, if desired, accompany affected persons during conciliation and mediation meetings as well as during the complaints procedure. Counselling is anonymous and strictly confidential; it provides relief and can be used as often as required.

If you experience or observe discriminatory behaviour:

Verbal or non-verbal belittling behaviour because of
•    skin colour or ethnic origin
•    social origin
•    gender
•    religion or belief
•    disability
•    age and body
•    sexual identity

If you are sexually harassed:

According to the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), sexual harassment occurs when the behaviour of one or more people is unwanted, intrusive and one-sided. Sexual harassment violates the dignity of the person affected and is shameful, humiliating and offensive.
Sexual harassment and violence can be directed against any person. Women, Black people and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities are particularly likely to experience sexualised discrimination. Even greater and particular vulnerability exists when several levels of discrimination overlap and intertwine.

There are various forms of sexual harassment:

• verbal
  as a sexually suggestive remark or joke, as an intrusive, insulting or inappropriate comment
• non-verbal
  as intrusive staring, whistling, exhibitionism, unwanted e-mail, distribution of pornographic material
• physical
  as unwanted touching or physical violence

Sexual harassment is prohibited.

The boundary between flirting and sexual harassment is clearly defined. Flirting occurs with mutual consent. Assaultive behaviour occurs without the consent of the other person. Take your feelings seriously if you experience or observe a situation as unpleasant, inappropriate or frightening.

According to the law, the right of interpretation lies with the person affected. Harassment therefore also exists if something is supposedly meant in a joking manner and the violation of dignity is not intended, but those affected feel harassed.

All persons with managerial, supervisory and teaching responsibilities are responsible and obliged to encourage those affected to seek support from the counselling centres. They are obliged to inform the complaints office immediately of any suspected incidents.

If you are affected by discrimination or sexual harassment, you have the opportunity to lodge a complaint. Your complaint will initiate a complaints procedure. The Complaints Office will conduct a formal complaints procedure objectively and swiftly. This is followed by a confidential clarification of the facts and notification of the results to the person making the complaint as well as an assessment of the necessary and appropriate protective measures.

It is not possible to lodge a complaint anonymously. Anonymous reports can, at best, trigger preventative measures.

The representatives of the Complaints Office are obliged to remain neutral.

Directive on protection against discrimination and harassment taking into account the General Equal Treatment Act at Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg from December 1st, 2023