My experience as an intern at the Berlinale 2025
By mattleppier
03 April 2025
Beyond the hundreds of screenings that take place, the Berlinale transforms Germany’s capital into a meeting point for the global film industry.
With events such as the European Film Market and Berlinale Co-Production Market running alongside the festival, thousands of producers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters and funding bodies from all over the world come together to share their passion, ideas and expertise.
As the first major industry events of the calendar year, they are true barometers of what we can expect from the film world in the upcoming year. Such events serve as places for the industry to connect, exchange and do business, setting the pace for new productions and developments as well as future business models.
Ludovica Sacchi Cassisi, a BA (Hons) Filmmaking student, was accepted for an internship at the Berlinale Co-Production Market.
Hi, my name is Ludovica Sacchi Cassisi, and I am a filmmaker, actress, and poet studying BA (Hons) Filmmaking. After years of studying communications and geopolitics, I decided to turn my passion for film into a fully-fledged professional path.
This career shift has proven to be incredibly rewarding, not only with the personal success of completing my first short film, Venere Liberata (2025), but also through my experience interning at the Berlinale this February.
Key aspects of my internship
I was assigned to the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which has a particular focus on international co-productions. The Berlinale Co-Production Market invites over 600 industry figures, from producers to funding bodies, to all come together in one place.
As an intern, my primary role was to facilitate connections between producers, international co-production partners, investors, and sales agents. This involved organising one-on-one meetings, pitch sessions, and networking events for selected projects.
We worked closely with institutions like Eurimages, the MEDIA Program, and various national film funds. My responsibilities included welcoming producers and directors, coordinating project meetings, and managing events. Additionally, I assisted with organising networking events and handling logistical tasks.
Applying for the Berlinale had been a goal of mine for a long time, as it is the festival where many of the films I admire receive recognition. What makes the Berlinale special is its diverse selection of stories and voices from around the world, as well as its accessibility to cinema lovers beyond the mainstream.
One of my key aims during this internship was to gain a deeper understanding of international film financing. As one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, The Berlinale offers invaluable insights into how films secure funding and distribution on an international scale.
The daily routine
Our schedules varied greatly depending on the day, sometimes starting as early as 8am, while on other days, we were called in during the afternoon and worked until 9pm. One of the most crucial tasks was preparing badges for attendees, as these determined access to different areas of the event. We also set up venues, ensuring banners and signage were in place to guide guests.
Once preparations were complete and attendees began to arrive, we welcomed and distributed badges to directors, producers, and representatives from renowned companies such as Netflix, MUBI, and EFM. This provided a fantastic networking opportunity and was one of the highlights of my internship, along with meeting the other interns and working with the dedicated Co-Production Market organisers. The entire team was highly professional and efficient, which made the experience both smooth and enjoyable.
Top tips for applying for an internship
For anyone considering applying for an internship at the Berlinale, I can only encourage you to go for it! Speaking German was a key factor in my selection, so that’s something to keep in mind when applying. Positions are listed on the KBB website as the next Berlinale approaches, so be sure to check it out and take your chance. It was a truly enriching experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to network and deepen their understanding of the film industry!
