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Berlinale

The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, is an annual film festival with the best film receiving the Golden Bear.

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All Content on this topic

Berlinale Film Festival

Berlinale Film Festival

African representation at Berlinale

Berlinale 2024 witnessed a shift. A film by an African woman took the top prize and an African woman led the jury.

People wearing a sign stating 'cease-fire now' on the Berlinale red carpet.

People wearing a sign stating 'cease-fire now' on the Berlinale red carpet.

Israel statements spark Berlinale controversy

Denunciation of Israel over its bombing of Gaza at the film festival gala have led to accusations of antisemitism.

Mati Diop holding the Golden Bear for Best Film.

Mati Diop holding the Golden Bear for Best Film.

Berlinale: Film on looted colonial-era art wins Golden Bear

Mati Diop's documentary "Dahomey," on the restitution of 26 colonial works to Benin, won the film festival's top award.

Awards of the Berlin International Film Festival - Golden and Silver Bears, lined up on a clear platform

Awards of the Berlin International Film Festival - Golden and Silver Bears, lined up on a clear platform

Berlinale: Winners of the Golden and Silver Bear awards

The festival's top award went to Mati Diop's "Dahomey," a documentary on the restitution of colonial works.

Martin Scorsese talking with his hands in the air.

Martin Scorsese talking with his hands in the air.

Berlinale: Scorsese on legacy, influence and TikTok

Now honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Berlinale, the celebrated filmmaker has sparked much uproar.

A film still from 'No Other Land': a child dressed in red stands amid the rubble of a destroyed house.

A film still from 'No Other Land': a child dressed in red stands amid the rubble of a destroyed house.

Israeli-Hamas war sparks tensions at the Berlinale

The Berlin Film Festival is no stranger to politics, and the Middle East conflict was bound to cause debates this year.

The president of the International Jury Lupita Nyong'o signed autographs on the red carpet leading to the Berlinale Palast.

The president of the International Jury Lupita Nyong'o signed autographs on the red carpet leading to the Berlinale Palast.

Berlinale kicks off with a film starring Cillian Murphy

Lupita Nyong'o, Emily Watson and Matt Damon were the stars of the Berlin International Film Festival's opening gala.

People gather around the entrance of the Berlinale Palast during the Berlin International Film Festival.

People gather around the entrance of the Berlinale Palast during the Berlin International Film Festival.

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Berlinale

The Berlinale opened with a film starring Cillian Murphy. The competition jury is led by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o.

Lupita Nyong'o, Jury President of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale

Lupita Nyong'o, Jury President of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale

Lupita Nyong'o is Berlinale's first Black jury president

Born in Mexico in 1983 and raised in Kenya, Lupita Nyong'o is a star of many talents — not just on the screen.

Golden Berlin Bear awards in a line.

Golden Berlin Bear awards in a line.

Berlinale: U-turn on far-right AfD's invitation causes stir

The Berlinale launched as "The Showcase of the Free World." Now, it is trying to live up to that motto.

Tricia Tuttle

Tricia Tuttle

Berlin Film Festival names Tricia Tuttle as new director

US-born director Tuttle, who led the London Film Festival, is expected to make the Berlinale "more diverse."

Golden Bear prize.

Golden Bear prize.

Berlinale 2023: 'On the Adamant' wins Golden Bear

The film directed by French documentary filmmaker Nicolas Philibert portrays the patients of a psychiatric facility.

Film still 'On the Adamant': A woman points to a detail in a colorful drawing while another person is standing next to her.

Film still 'On the Adamant': A woman points to a detail in a colorful drawing while another person is standing next to her.

Berlinale 2023: Golden and Silver Bear winners

Along with the Golden Bear awarded to "On the Adamant" by Nicolas Philibert, here are the other prize winners.

Cate Blanchett surrounded by photographers at the Berlinale.

Cate Blanchett surrounded by photographers at the Berlinale.

Berlinale: Glamour and politics on the red carpet

Actress Cate Blanchett and director Steven Spielberg are among the guests at the Berlin film festival.

Berlinale Spielberg Goldener Bär

Berlinale Spielberg Goldener Bär

Berlinale honors Steven Spielberg for lifetime achievement

Considered one of the most successful directors of all time, the Hollywood titan took home an Honorary Golden Bear.

Boris Becker kisses his trophy

Boris Becker kisses his trophy

Boris Becker: Fallen tennis idol on the Berlinale big screen

A new documentary offers a peek into the triumph and failures of the legendary former Wimbledon champion.

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Boris Becker through the years

"Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker" is a two-part documentary that aims to look behind the facade of the former German tennis champion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, talks with American Oscar winning actor Sean Penn, right, on Constitution Square

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, talks with American Oscar winning actor Sean Penn, right, on Constitution Square

Sean Penn's 'Superpower': The 'idiot's guide' to Ukraine

The anticipated documentary about Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's fight for democracy has premiered at the Berlinale.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy waving from a screen, three people standing underneath the projection at the Berlinale.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy waving from a screen, three people standing underneath the projection at the Berlinale.

Berlinale opens with Zelenskyy address

The Berlinale kicked off with a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at its opening ceremony.

Statues of awards, the Golden and Silver Bears

Statues of awards, the Golden and Silver Bears

Berlinale: What to expect at the 2023 Berlin film festival

A look at the highlights of the Berlinale, from the focus on Ukraine and Iran to the stars and the competition.

Mohammad Rasoulof looks into the camera

Mohammad Rasoulof looks into the camera

Iran releases renowned filmmaker Rasoulof from jail: reports

The award-winning filmmaker was arrested in July 2022 after criticizing the government's crackdown on protesters.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, talks with American Oscar winning actor Sean Penn in Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, talks with American Oscar winning actor Sean Penn in Kyiv

Sean Penn's film on Zelenskyy to premiere in Berlin

"Superpower," the actor's documentary portraying the Ukrainian president, will premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.

Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Alahmad in a split photo

Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Alahmad in a split photo

Berlinale calls for release of Iranian director

Golden Bear-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof was arrested after supporting protesters.

Berlinale | Nicolas van Hemelryck und Clare Weiskopf

Berlinale | Nicolas van Hemelryck und Clare Weiskopf

Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

DW supported filmmakers whose entries screened at the festival. Let's celebrate their accomplishments!

Filmstill from the Danish series "The Shift"

Filmstill from the Danish series "The Shift"

Berlinale Film Series

Gripping plots and fresh perspectives: series productions are catching on at the Berlinale.

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt: Social media 'not a barometer' of success

In this DW interview, the actor talks about her familial ties with Germany, strong female roles and cancel culture.

A young girl wearing hijab puts her finger in front of her mouth in a "shh" sign.

A young girl wearing hijab puts her finger in front of her mouth in a "shh" sign.

What does the future hold for Afghan cinema?

Three award-winning female directors appeal to the international film industry to save Afghan cinema.

Berlinale Filmstill Alcarràs von Regisseurin Carla Simón

Berlinale Filmstill Alcarràs von Regisseurin Carla Simón

Berlinale 2022: Golden and Silver Bear winners

Beyond the Golden Bear that went to "Alcarras," here are the other winners of the Berlin Film Festival.

Catalan director Carla Simon smiles as she wins the Golden Bear.

Catalan director Carla Simon smiles as she wins the Golden Bear.

Berlinale's top award goes to 'Alcarras'

Catalan director Carla Simon's film is the winner of the Berlin film festival's Golden Bear. Runner-up is Hong Sangsoo.

Film still 'Gangubai Kathiawadi': a woman dressed in white with her feet on the table.

Film still 'Gangubai Kathiawadi': a woman dressed in white with her feet on the table.

Bollywood bets on Alia Bhatt for its next hit

As film "Gangubai Kathiawadi" debuts in Berlin, DW met Indian actor Alia Bhatt, who plays a sex worker turned gangster.

A still from the film "Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George Bush" with actors outside in Washington, DC.

A still from the film "Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George Bush" with actors outside in Washington, DC.

Berlinale: Murat Kurnaz' mother takes on world politics

Andreas Dresen's Berlinale film: a gripping portrayal of a mother set on getting her son released from Guantanamo Bay.

Film still 'No U Turn': a bus in Africa.

Film still 'No U Turn': a bus in Africa.

Generation Africa films offer new migration tales

The Berlinale's first South Sudanese entry and a Nigerian film revisit migration issues from an African perspective.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Hand-painted movie posters, a ride on the Glacier Express and delectable embroidered edibles.

Euromaxx, Kino, Plakat, Kinoplakat, Berlinale, Kinofilm, Plakatmaler, Berlin

Euromaxx, Kino, Plakat, Kinoplakat, Berlinale, Kinofilm, Plakatmaler, Berlin

Movie poster painter Götz Valien

Berlin-based artist Götz Valien paints giant movies posters. His latest work: “Licorice Pizza”.

Festival directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek at the Berlinale opening.

Festival directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek at the Berlinale opening.

Berlinale opening gala in pictures

The 72nd Berlin International Film Festival kicked off with a scaled-down red carpet event.

Guests arrive on the red carpe for the opening ceremony of the 72nd Berlinale Film Festival.

Guests arrive on the red carpe for the opening ceremony of the 72nd Berlinale Film Festival.

Berlinale opens with a love letter to cinema

Berlin's famed film festival kicks off with Francois Ozon's "Peter von Kant," a tribute to German director Fassbinder.

A Berlinale sign in front of tall buildings at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.

A Berlinale sign in front of tall buildings at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.

Berlinale returns as live event despite omicron

The 2022 Berlin film festival kicks off just as COVID infections peak in Germany. DW talks to experts about the risks.

A still from film Peter von Kant' with Denis Ménochet, Isabelle Adjani in evening dress.

A still from film Peter von Kant' with Denis Ménochet, Isabelle Adjani in evening dress.

Berlinale reveals its competition program

Despite COVID, the festival will have live screenings, but crowds won't get to meet Charlotte Gainsbourg or other stars.

Berlinale bear figures

Berlinale bear figures

Pared-down Berlin Film Festival to go ahead

The Berlinale will feature reduced capacity, required vaccine certificates and no parties.

Film still from 'Promising Young Woman' - woman dressed like a fantasy nurse with colored hair

Film still from 'Promising Young Woman' - woman dressed like a fantasy nurse with colored hair

European Film Awards 2021 favorites

"Titane," "The Father" and "Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn" are now vying for Europe's version of the Oscar.

Afghanistan - Graffiti

Afghanistan - Graffiti

German artists call for support of Afghan colleagues

In an open letter, prominent figures from the culture sector asked the government to pledge action.

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Kultur.21 englisch)

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Kultur.21 englisch)

Berlinale Talents Revisited

DW got to know them as Berlinale Talents. How are they doing today? And what are they up to now?

Untitled picture by South African photographer, Earl Abrahams.

Untitled picture by South African photographer, Earl Abrahams.

Africa's artists during COVID

Africa's cultural scene is facing major challenges and hardly getting any aid from the state.

Dieter Bachmann playing guitar outside before the premiere of "Herr Bachmann und seine Klasse" by Maria Speth.

Dieter Bachmann playing guitar outside before the premiere of "Herr Bachmann und seine Klasse" by Maria Speth.

Berlinale Summer Special highlights

The Berlinale Summer Special celebrated the return of cinema in Berlin. Here are a few snapshots of the event.

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof on a the screen of an open-air cinema.

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof on a the screen of an open-air cinema.

Berlinale awards its Golden and Silver Bears

The Berlinale winners had already been announced in March, but the awards ceremony was held three months later.

A woman carried a red and white flag in front of police

A woman carried a red and white flag in front of police

'Courage': On the frontline of the Belarus protests

Democracy activist Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was in Berlin for the premiere of Aliaksei Paluyan's film, "Courage."

A Berlinale promotional image, two cartoon bears on a red screen, at an open-air cinema with the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral in the background.

A Berlinale promotional image, two cartoon bears on a red screen, at an open-air cinema with the Berlin TV Tower and Berlin Cathedral in the background.

Berlinale 2021: 7 things you need to know

The film festival's Summer Special is an open-air celebration. Stars, awards, red carpet: Here's what to expect.

Film still 'We': a man looking though binoculars, two boys in the foreground.

Film still 'We': a man looking though binoculars, two boys in the foreground.

Documentary highlights at the Berlinale

The Berlinale also has a prize recognizing a documentary film. It goes to Alice Diop's "We."

Sally Field and Julia Roberts standing on the Berlin Wall with two GDR border guards at Brandenburg Gate in 1990

Sally Field and Julia Roberts standing on the Berlin Wall with two GDR border guards at Brandenburg Gate in 1990

How the Cold War shaped the Berlinale

The first Berlin International Film Festival took place 70 years ago. It was a political event from the start.

Portrait of a young woman with red hair and glasses

Portrait of a young woman with red hair and glasses

Golden Bear-winning film is more than 'loony porn'

Elizabeth Grenier

The Berlin film festival's winner will grab headlines for being a Romanian sex-tape movie, but it's a political work.