Move to stay

Does a community-led, non-profit film school still have a place in Berlin, a city gripped by rent speculation?

Over 20 years ago, a group of film enthusiasts founded filmArche e.V. as an alternative to state-run and costly private film schools. At filmArche, people come together not only to learn about filmmaking but also to self-organize the entire film school and its community. Like many others, Iris Richter found inspiration, knowledge and a sense of belonging at filmArche.

Recently, however, the school has been facing significant financial challenges, with rising rents and an uncertain lease extension. To secure its future, filmArche joined the VOLLGUT cooperative, aiming to protect the film school from rent speculation for the next 99 years and to create a safe space for filmArche and other like-minded organisations.

But how does a community-led school like filmArche raise €100,000 for cooperative shares? And how do people self-organize, raise funds, make films and earn a living all at the same time? Iris Richter follows filmArche on its journey as it fights for a future that remains uncertain.