ThurnFilm GmbH
The
ThurnFilm GmbH: A Pioneer in Documentary Film Production
editThurnFilm GmbH, founded in 2003 by the renowned journalist and director Valentin Thurn, is a leading independent film production company based in Cologne. The company specializes in the production of documentaries for television, cinema, and online media, focusing on a well-founded engagement with topics from the fields of science, medicine, environment, politics, and current events.
Main Mission and Values
editThurnFilm strives to open new perspectives on socially relevant topics and to move the audience to take action. The company's films are intended not only to show what is happening in our environment but also to clarify why it is worth taking action and how this can be implemented. A central aspect of ThurnFilm's work is the close collaboration with public broadcasters in Germany as well as with international partners such as ARD, ZDF, WDR, NDR, ARTE, and many others[2][3].
Key Products and Services
editThurnFilm produces documentaries that are often shaped by Valentin Thurn himself as author, director, or producer. Among the most well-known productions are films like "Taste the Waste – the Global Food Waste" and "10 Billion – How Will We All Be Fed?", both of which have received international recognition and numerous awards[3][4].
The company's films are shown worldwide at renowned festivals, such as Berlinale, IDFA Amsterdam, and CPH:DOX Copenhagen, and have won important awards, including the German Nature Film Award and the Social Justice Award of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival[2].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThurnFilm is strongly engaged in social and environmental policy issues. Valentin Thurn also co-founded the online platform foodsharing.de, which aims to rescue surplus food and thus reduce food waste. Other initiatives include the establishment of Germany's first food council in Cologne and the online platform tasteofheimat.de, which presents regional food producers[3].
The company is regularly recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social issues, such as with the Lammsbräu Sustainability Award and the econsense Journalism Award[3][4].
International Presence
editThurnFilm successfully collaborates with international TV broadcasters such as SVT (Sweden), France 5 (France), SRG (Switzerland), BOS (Netherlands), BBC Storyville (United Kingdom), PBS (USA), and Sky International. Many of the films are international co-productions and have been broadcast in over 40 countries worldwide[2].
With its dedicated and informative approach to documentary film production, ThurnFilm has established itself as one of the leading and most influential film production companies in the German-speaking world.