The 75th Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale, has officially launched today, February 13, 2025, with a 10-day celebration of cinema set to run through February 23. Since its founding in 1951 amidst the Cold War, the Berlinale has grown into one of the world’s leading public film festivals, gaining global recognition for its spotlight on social and political issues.
This year’s festival opened with the premiere of The Light, a German drama directed by Tom Tykwer, which explores the poignant themes of migration. The film follows a Syrian refugee’s journey as he integrates into a German family, emphasizing the positive contributions that migrants make to their new communities.
Director Tom Tykwer and cast members Nicolette Krebitz, Tala Al-Deen, Lars Eidinger attend a photo call during the promotion of the opening film ‘The Light’ on the day of the opening of the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
The Berlinale 2025 features a wide-ranging lineup of over 200 films spread across several sections, including Competition, Berlinale Special, Perspectives, Berlinale Shorts, Panorama, Forum, Generation, Retrospective, and Berlinale Classics. Among the highlights, 19 films are competing for the prestigious Golden Bear award, including Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, a biographical drama about Broadway composer Lorenz Hart, starring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley. Other standout entries include Kontinental ’25 by Radu Jude and Hong Sangsoo’s What Does that Nature Say to You?
The festival will also honor British actress Tilda Swinton with the Honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime achievements. Known for her acclaimed roles in films such as We Need to Talk About Kevin and The Grand Budapest Hotel, Swinton’s contribution to the world of cinema will be celebrated in a special ceremony.
Under the leadership of new Artistic Director Tricia Tuttle, the Berlinale continues to blend political engagement with an emphasis on cinematic artistry. Tuttle has highlighted the festival’s mission to showcase films that challenge audiences, provoke thought, and encourage dialogue, while ensuring a platform for diverse voices in global cinema.
Jury President Todd Haynes and Jury members Nabil Ayouch, Fan Bingbing, Bina Daigeler, Rodrigo Moreno, Amy Nicholson and Maria Schrader attend a photo call ahead of the opening of the 75th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
American filmmaker Todd Haynes, renowned for his complex and layered storytelling, will preside over this year’s International Jury, which includes a distinguished panel of filmmakers, actors, and critics.
In addition to film screenings, the Berlinale hosts several industry events, including the European Film Market (February 13-19), the Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 15-19), and Berlinale Talents (February 15-20), offering industry professionals networking opportunities, project development, and discussions on trends shaping the future of cinema.
With its mix of prestigious awards, international talent, and thought-provoking films, the Berlinale remains a key event in the global film calendar, offering both a platform for emerging voices and a celebration of the art of storytelling.
