Rediscover the Past Support the Future

The mission of the DEFA Foundation is to preserve the films of DEFA, the former East German film studios, and oversee their use for the public good as part of Germany’s national cultural heritage. By allocating awards, the Foundation contributes to the support and sponsorship of German film culture and film art.

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Film still for "Der kleine Prinz"

What is the DEFA Foundation?

The aim of the foundation, which was founded in 1998, is to preserve DEFA films and make them usable for the public, as well as to promote German cinematic art and culture.

Portrait

700
Feature Films

950
Animation Films

2,000
Documentaries

6,700
Synchronizations

Film Search

The database contains all films from the rights of the DEFA Foundation.

Film still for "Der Kinnhaken"

Comprehensive data collection, chronologically prepared

DEFA Chronic

Brigitte Gerull's data collection covers events relating to film and film policy in the GDR, including the period before its foundation (in German).

Diving into the History
Film still for "Die Leiden des jungen Werthers"

Newsletter

We send out our newsletter in German about 6 times a year by e-mail and provide information about current events, sponsorship prizes and publications. If you would also like to receive regular information, please register using the newsletter form.

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