The German Film Academy is an independent German organization that focuses on the production of films. The Deutsche Filmakademie e. V. (DFA) was founded in Berlin on September 8, 2003. Its aim is to provide a forum for filmmakers and to promote the reputation and awareness of German film.

Since 2005, the winners of the German Film Award Lola have been chosen by the members of the German Film Academy. The German Film Prize has been awarded by the members of the German Film Academy since 2005 and is considered one of the most prestigious awards for German film.

The association sees itself as an independent organization and is financed by membership fees from ordinary members, honorary members, supporting members and members of the circle of friends.

The Academy has almost 2000 members (as of October 2018).

The German Film Academy is a founding member of the Federation of Film Academies Europe (FACE), which was founded in 2024.

The first presidents were Senta Berger and Günter Rohrbach. In 2010, Iris Berben and Bruno Ganz were elected as their successors. Since 2013, Iris Berben has held the office alone. After a total of three terms in office, she decided not to run for office again. The general meeting elected Ulrich Matthes as her successor in 2019. In 2022, Alexandra Maria Lara and Florian Gallenberger replaced Ulrich Matthes as President. (Source: Wikipedia)