Short portrait of the German companies Landwärme and Reverion and the carbon capture technology they are developing. Commissioned by the XPRIZE Foundation as part of the $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Capture competition.
- Film Director
Rick Minnich
- Berlin, Germany
- 5 projects
I am a storyteller, filmmaker, and educator who loves exploring human idiosyncrasies and guiding others through the creative process.
About
I am a storyteller, filmmaker, and educator who loves exploring human idiosyncrasies and guiding others through the creative process. I travel widely, collaborate with partners across Europe, and strive to blend traditional and digital techniques to tell meaningful, human-centered stories.
From running a Berlin-based production company to teaching at film schools and mentoring aspiring filmmakers, I aim to inspire curiosity, laughter, and empathy through documentary storytelling and collaborative learning. I’m an optimist who believes every story has the power to connect people and spark positive change.
- Joined March 2026
Skills· 11
Languages
- EnglishFluent
- GermanFluent
- FrenchBeginner
- Spanish; CastilianBeginner
- RussianBeginner
Industry experience
- Media & Entertainment
- Education
- Non-Profit Organization
- Professional Services
Projects · 5
Short commissioned piece about the delicacy mite cheese and the man who is keeping the centuries-old tradition alive in Germany.
- Film Director
- Videographer
Rick travels to Odessa with three members of the Berlin Odessa Express to deliver much-needed medical supplies to their Ukrainian charity partners, local hospitals, pharmacies. The Berlin-based humanitarian aid organisation Berlin Odessa Express was one of the first organisations to deliver aid to Ukraine during the first weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They provide aid packages hand-tailored to the exact needs of their local partners with great efficiency and tender loving care.
Learn more about the Berlin Odessa Express and how you can support their efforts.
This is Rick’s second collaboration with Israeli filmmaker Guy Dimenstein and the Meet the Good Ones team. Every two weeks, Guy and his team publish a new short video about people who are doing good in the world. Subscribe to their YouTube channel and get inspired by these heartwarming tales of people who are dedicating their lives to solving the world’s problems.
“We Are Here” was nominated for the Smiley Charity Film Awards and the Geographical Better World Video Awards.
- Director of Photography
- Film Director
Introductory video of biochemist and editor Dr. Sebastian Alers from the research and publishing network ScienceOpen .
- Sound Editor
- Video Editor
- Videographer
Short film commissioned by Peter-Pat-Seifenblasen to promote their Wunderseifenblasenrolle.
- Film Director
- Video Editor
- Videographer
Work experience· 10 roles
Tutor · Bunt Stiftung Bildung und integrative Arbeit gGmbHJan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 11 mos
Led a year-long video workshop for migrants from Ukraine and Turkey culminating in a 20-minute group film.
Member · Deutsche Filmakademie e.V.Jan 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 11 mos
Member of the documentary section of the German Film Academy.
Tutor · Wave Akademie für digitale MedienJan 2022 – Present · 4 yrs 11 mos
Tutor for documentary, fiction, and production modules in the film program.
Documentary Filmmaker in Residence · Robert Morris UniversitySep 2017 – Dec 2017 · 4 mos
Tutor/Dean · Sabah Film AcademyJan 2015 – Dec 2016 · 2 yrs
Factual tutor · MET Film School BerlinJan 2013 – Dec 2022 · 10 yrs
Tutor · Docstories Black Sea workshopJan 2012 – Dec 2012 · 1 yr
Director · SAT.1 (German TV)Jan 2002 – Dec 2002 · 1 yr
Education
Diploma (MFA equivalent) Directing for Film & Television · Film University Babelsberg “Konrad Wolf”1995 – 2001
MFA candidate Live Action Film · CalArts1991 – 1992
B.A. English · Columbia University1990
Semester abroad · Institute for European Studies, Vienna1989
Certifications and awards
DAAD grant in Berlin1992 – 1993
Writer’s grant, Schloss Wiepersdorf1995
Wrote a screenplay, an opera libretto, and a short story.
Artist residency at the Villa Aurora2017
Developed my feature documentary "Forgetting Dad"
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