GEMA Center of Film Music Excellence

This is a year-long mentoring programme for emerging film composers rather than a cash grant for a specific project. Ten places are available for the 2027 cohort, each paired one-to-one with an established German film composer — the current roster includes Ali Askin, Christine Aufderhaar, Martina Eisenreich, Ralf Wengenmayr and Christoph Zirngibl, with each mentor taking on two mentees. Over twelve months, starting around February or March 2027, mentees get monthly live exchanges with their mentor, three online group sessions with the full cohort, and a closing showcase of work developed during the programme timed around the Berlinale in 2028. The organisers call it a scholarship, but the published call doesn't state a monetary amount, stipend or what costs it actually covers, so applicants shouldn't assume living expenses are included. To apply you need active GEMA membership, to be between 18 and 35, and a clear pull toward dramaturgical and narrative film scoring — a composition degree isn't required, and the organisers say they're looking for talent and potential over formal training. The application itself asks for three work samples (audio, video or score) that show dramaturgical thinking, a CV, and a motivation letter, with any AI involvement in the samples disclosed. The call and the application portal are both in German. Applications close 15 November 2026, with selection running into January 2027.