THE DREAM MAKERS: CUPRA & CINEMA DRIVEN BY ONE STORY
At CUPRA, we share the same obsession as cinema: the power of a story to move people. As Principal Partner and official mobility partner of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, we brought our commitment to creativity and cultural exchange to one of the world’s most celebrated stages for film. A shared belief in the power of storytelling and the exploration of new narratives around sustainability and inclusion has made this more than just a partnership.
We brought that vision to life on the red carpet with the CUPRA Tavascan and the CUPRA Raval, transporting guests of honour and film crews to premieres and events. Two 100% electric vehicles for the visionaries of cinema who share our spirit.
THE DREAM MAKERS: A STAGE FOR NEW VOICES
At the heart of this partnership sits The Dream Makers: Short Film Contest, an initiative launched alongside Berlinale, Berlinale Talents and Studio Babelsberg to give emerging filmmakers the chance to bring their stories to the big screen. With its second edition, the contest continues to grow in ambition, reach and impact: submissions arrived from 15 countries across three continents — a testament to the drive of a new generation of storytellers to shape the future of cinema.
WHERE THE DREAM BEGAN
The growing contest builds on the strong success of its first edition. Originally launched in collaboration with Spanish film director and CUPRA Tribe member J.A. Bayona and ESCAC, that inaugural competition received 400 proposals from across the globe. The winners were announced at the Sitges Film Festival 2024 and awarded the opportunity to produce their short films — proof that the contest was always destined to become something bigger.
A NEW WAVE OF CREATORS
Now, the second edition has found its voice. British writer and director Alfie Barker captured the imagination of a distinguished jury with his winning project, The Zebra, a film recognised for its brave, distinctive and original perspective. Bringing this story to the spotlight was a panel of exceptional voices: Ignasi Prieto, J.A. Bayona, Daniel Brühl, Tricia Tuttle and Marcus Loges.
The jury also honoured Albanian filmmaker Renis Hyka, awarding a Special Mention to his deeply emotional project Day One, a story about a couple facing the day they will finally become parents.
Alongside finalists from Peru, Korea, Serbia and Iran, this shortlist reflects not only the global reach of the contest, but the shared hunger of a new generation ready to create cinema entirely on their own terms
