Director Julia Schubeius has been awarded the NDR Film award for 2025 for her film “Stage Free for Life.” The award ceremony took place on Sunday, June 15th, during the 35th International Film Festival Emden-Norderney. This prize is traditionally given to a German first or second feature film that receives the highest audience evaluation at the festival.

“Stage Free for Life”: A story of dreams and Diversity

The film centers on Charlie, a 19-year-old high school graduate with aspirations of becoming an actress. Despite standing at 1.30 meters, Charlie’s height doesn’t diminish her ambitions. Supported by her mother, Silke, who works as a tailor, Charlie seizes an possibility when a leading actor is unable to perform. She confidently steps into the role.

While theater director Beatrix views Charlie’s casting as a chance to enhance the theater’s image through increased diversity, director Pascal is more reserved about Charlie’s inexperience. The film explores Charlie’s journey as she navigates the expectations of others and her own desires, ultimately discovering her true self and what she wants from life.

Between the expectations of others and their own needs, Charlie has to find out who she really is and what she wants from life.

The Making of the Film

The script for “stage Free for Life,” a coming-of-age comedy, was written by Madeleine Hartung and Julia Schubeius. It received the impulse prize in 2022, the youth prize of the ARD Degeto Film. The jury praised the script’s depth,complexity,and entertaining approach to diversity.

Julia Schubeius’s educational background includes studies at the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy and the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences. She made her feature film debut in 2019 with “another.” She has collaborated with screenwriter Madeleine Hartung on several short films showcased at various festivals. “Stage free for life” marks their first joint television film. Julia Schubeius is currently working as a freelance director and author in Berlin and Hamburg.

NDR Film Award: Supporting Young talent

The NDR Film Award, which includes a prize of 5,000 euros, has been awarded since 2007 by the NDR Landesfunkhaus Lower Saxony to recognize first or second feature films by German-language directors.