The Consensus Film Production – An Inclusive Short Film Experiment
Konsens Filmproduktion: Project Progress Update
- At our public meeting on Wednesday, May 27, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Discord, we once again reported on the unsuccessful funding application to Hessen Film & Medien and discussed the next steps. The production group is currently reviewing the budget to identify areas where costs can be reduced. The remaining financing gap is then to be covered through foundations and sponsors. We have set ourselves a deadline of the end of June 2026 to secure this funding. All participants were asked to think about alternative financing options and possible sources of support. Anyone who would like to support the Konsens film production with tips, information on sponsors, or other funding opportunities is very welcome to contact us at konsens@filmhaus-frankfurt.de. We would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance.
- On Thursday, May 7, we held our meeting regarding the funding decision by Hessen Film & Medien GmbH. The outcome: Unfortunately, our inclusive short film project did not receive funding from Hessenfilm. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our goal: to ensure fair compensation for everyone involved and to make no compromises on inclusion—especially when it comes to involving people with disabilities, migration backgrounds, or family responsibilities in the production. Over the coming weeks, we will therefore intensively pursue alternative funding opportunities. The production team is already in discussion, and we will soon announce a date for the next open meeting. Everyone who wishes to support the project is warmly invited to join.
- At our production meeting on April 20, we discussed additional funding opportunities. In particular, seeking out sponsors could be worthwhile to place the short film’s financing on a more secure footing. There were also updates from the casting and locations teams: several roles have already been filled, and site visits for potential filming locations are being scheduled.
- The application was successfully submitted to Hessen Film & Medien GmbH on March 17. Now, we await the funding jury’s decision, which will be announced in May. In the meantime, we plan to submit additional project funding applications to foundations and other suitable institutions to further secure financial support for the film budget and the planned inclusion measures.
- The final meeting before the application was held on Thursday, March 12. During the meeting, it was agreed to collect photos of potential filming locations and organize site visits, with a particular focus on the accessibility of these locations—especially regarding entrances and door widths. A cost estimate for the film team was commissioned, and initial commitments for crew positions were secured. A mentorship program for less experienced assistants was also proposed. Additionally, a transportation service was arranged. The overarching goal remains to ensure a production that is as barrier-free as possible, enabling the participation of all involved.
- During the production meeting on March 8, the current status of pre-production was reviewed. The discussion focused on potential shooting locations in the Frankfurt and Darmstadt area, as well as the casting of the main roles. For the application, a project dossier will be prepared to present the unique framework of the project and its participants in detail for the jury. In addition, a short video will be produced to complement the application.
- At the production meeting on March 1 at 3 PM, significant progress was announced. The numerous responses to the casting calls are currently being reviewed, and suitable locations are being scouted. Accessibility remains a central priority, and we are pleased to have secured two experienced inclusion experts to support the project. With the creation of a mood board, the short film’s visual concept is also beginning to take shape. In addition, a professional mental health coordinator has been approached to support the production from an early stage, helping to ensure a safe working environment for all participants.
- At the production meeting on February 11th, the script breakdown was presented—meaning the list of all elements necessary for the shoot. We are still looking for a production assistant and location scouts. Additionally, we are seeking actors for the role of Selin (8 years old) and the lead role of Christoph (65, wheelchair user). Anyone interested in auditioning, needing more information, or looking to fill the remaining crew positions is welcome to email us at konsens@filmhaus-frankfurt.de.
- On January 29, 2026, another meeting was held to discuss production and the funding application, where initial roles were defined, primarily in production and casting. Everyone interested is invited to attend—regardless of prior experience, skills, or potential barriers. The meeting takes place at 6:00 PM on the Konsens Discord server. The aim is to submit a complete funding application by the submission window from March 3–17, 2026. If you missed the first production meeting on January 23, you’re still welcome to join!
- January 16, 2026: The first meeting of the Screenplay Working Group took place. The screenplay titled "Unsichtbar" (Invisible) was presented by author and producer Uğur Sofu and discussed within the group. The working group will independently further develop the screenplay and finalize a version by February 8, 2026. Those interested in joining the screenplay development process should contact Uğur Sofu (film@sofumedia.eu) and/or Filmhaus Frankfurt (konsens@filmhaus-frankfurt.de).
- December 11, 2025: An initial informational and planning discussion with interested participants of Konsens Filmproduktion was held on the Konsens im Film Discord server.
- November 18, 2025: The Konsens Filmproduktion—a collaboration between Sofumedia/Uğur Sofu and Filmhaus Frankfurt—was introduced for the first time at the Film & Media Meetup during the Exground Filmfest.
In October 2025, Filmhaus Frankfurt launched the project “Consensus in Film” to reduce barriers in the film industry and improve access for people with disabilities, migration backgrounds, or family responsibilities.
Following an opening event featuring inspiring talks and discussions, as well as the creation of an open Discord server for exchange and networking, the next step is now underway: a collaborative short film experiment that not only addresses inclusion and consensus-based work, but fully embodies these principles throughout the entire production process.
Producer and writer Uğur Sofu has written the screenplay for the short film and plans to realize it in 2026. In a special partnership, Filmhaus Frankfurt will accompany the production through transparent, open, and non-hierarchical formats.
The Film
The film tells the touching story of Christoph, who withdraws from life after a personal tragedy and is confronted with his own emotions and boundaries when he meets Aylin—who carelessly parks in a disabled parking space. What begins as a misunderstanding develops into a quiet exchange about responsibility and humanity, before Aylin’s daughter Selin makes an unexpected gesture that changes everything.
Uğur Sofu, who has lived with a walking impairment since childhood, incorporates autobiographical experiences and therefore has a personal commitment to accessible filmmaking.
The Concept
The project’s working method follows clear principles: decisions are made by consensus democracy; the needs of all participants are to be considered. A mentorship system allows experienced filmmakers to share their knowledge and support newcomers. The production process—including budgeting, scheduling, and filming—is organized transparently, with hierarchies applied only where required for safety or liability reasons.
We are looking for individuals and institutions interested in participating in a short film—regardless of prior experience, abilities, or possible barriers. Whether camera, assistant directing, production design, organization, or simply curiosity about collective work—everyone is invited to join the experiment.
Timeline
The preliminary schedule includes meetings and workshops through February 2026—among them sessions with consensus democracy coach Uwe Lübbermann—followed by film funding applications in March and concrete pre-production starting in May. Filming is planned for late summer 2026, with completion set for the end of the year. An accessible version of the film will be produced thereafter.
Information and Participation
We continuously share information about meetings and events on the Discord server as well as on social media and in the Filmhaus newsletter. We recommend signing up for Discord (free of charge) and following our other channels to stay informed about upcoming participation opportunities.
Interested individuals are invited to register in the open Discord forum KONSENS-FILMPRODUKTION, ideally including notes on any prior experience and the type of involvement they are interested in.
If you have questions about Discord or would like to contact us in another way, feel free to email us at konsens@filmhaus-frankfurt.de
The account is managed by SOFUMEDIA Film Production and Filmhaus Frankfurt.
We look forward to your participation!
More information about the project can be found at www.filmhaus-frankfurt.de and www.sofumedia.eu
The short film is a production of Uğur Sofu / SOFUMEDIA Film Production and is externally supported by Filmhaus Frankfurt as part of the project “Consensus in Film”.
The project CONSENSUS IN FILM is financially supported by:
