The time has come – the Berlinale has begun. You can look forward to an exciting competition, great films, stars and newcomers, ten days full of fantastic films – and the wonderful feeling of watching a film together, sharing the excitement, laughing, crying and being carried away by gripping stories.
Have fun at the festival!
The opening gala
Finally, a red carpet, a festive gala, stars and fans, and a bustle of activity at Potsdamer Platz: despite the pouring rain, the Berlinale Palast was transformed into a magical place when the lights lit up the square. German and international stars such as Oscar-nominated director Sean Baker, Bella Ramsey, Neil Patrick Harris, Daniel Brühl, Lars Eidinger, Jella Haase, Tom Tykwer, Karoline Herfurth, Jannis Niewöhner, Emilia Schüle, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ruby O. Fee and many more walked the red carpet and basked in the flashbulbs.
The opening film "No Good Men"
"My husband beats me...", "I got married too young...", in a street interview on Valentine's Day, Afghan women have little positive to say about love and romance.
Naru, the only female camerawoman at Kabul TV, is also convinced that there are no good men in her country. She has left her husband, but divorce is difficult and could cost her her son. She repeatedly questions patriarchal society and confronts men who disguise their condescension towards women as respect.
But then she gets the chance to work with the renowned journalist Qodrat, and her certainty slowly begins to waver. Could there be a good man after all?
The story takes place in the spring and summer of 2021, in the last days of democracy before the Taliban take power and completely disenfranchise women. The knowledge of the terrible events in Afghanistan and the appalling fate of women is, of course, ever-present while watching. And yet, the film by Shahrbanoo Sadat, who also plays the lead role, is surprisingly light-hearted and charming until the dramatic finale. It is a pleasure to watch the self-confident heroine assert her place in society despite all opposition.
After last year's disappointing opening film, The Light, No Good Men, despite a few weaknesses , sends a positive signal for this year's festival.
Outlook for Festival Friday
On Friday, the French-Tunisian entry A voix basse, starring Hiam Abbass, who has already impressed us in several Berlinale films, will be screened in competition, as well as Everybody digs Bills Evans with Bill Pullman and the drama Gelbe Briefe. You can also see Hiam Abbass in the Panorama film Only Rebels win . The German film Ich verstehe Ihren Unmut ( I Understand Your Discontent) will also be shown in the Panorama section. Series fans can get a glimpse of the new series Lord of the Flies and watch the first two episodes.
So it promises to be a colourful bouquet of themes, emotions and styles.
You can look forward to what the first day has in store for you.
