The 73rd International Film Festival - the Berlinale - begins on Thursday. Until February 26, numerous films will be screened - big films with a star-studded line-up, experimental avant-garde films, entertaining children's films and arthouse productions from all over the world. The entire program is divided into so-called sections with different thematic focuses.
But what is actually showing where? We have created an overview of the sections for you.
Competition - The heart of the Berlinale
At the heart of the Berlinale is the Competition. The screenings are glamorous events at which international stars present their films. An international jury of filmmakers awards the prizes in a grand gala. This year's jury president is actress Kirsten Stewart. The Silver Bears are awarded to the best actors, directors and other categories. The Golden Bear is the coveted trophy for the best film.
Berlinale Special - The extraordinary Film
Special gala events are also the screenings in the "Berlinale Special" section, where extraordinary productions are shown. The spectrum ranges from current productions with a large star cast to the revival of great classics.
Encounters - Innovative and daring
With Encounters, a new competition was launched two years ago that honors filmmakers who break new ground. Both feature films and documentaries are shown.
Berlin Series - Success in Series
Since 2015, the Berlinale Series has taken the series boom of recent years into account. Here you can already get a taste of excellent series, such as "The Nightmanager", "Top of the Lake" and "Better call Saul" and the Berlin series "4 Blocks".
Panorama - breaking new ground
The Panorama section presents new trends and new voices in international filmmaking. After filming, the filmmakers are happy to answer your questions and share anecdotes from the shoot. Often there are discoveries like "Call me by your name" or "Winter's Bone", which then cause an international sensation and launch world careers.
Forum - Avant-garde & Experiment
Experiments in form and narrative, plus video installations and performances: the spectrum at the Forum is wide. So is the opportunity to discover fascinating new faces in front of and behind the camera.
Berlinale Shorts - To the Point
Short films from around the world celebrate their diversity in stories and styles at the Berlinale Shorts - and have been doing so since 1955.
Retrospective - Rewatch and Rediscover
This year the retrospective is dedicated to Coming of Age films and shows a colorful mix, which well-known filmmakers have selected and will present.
Homage - tribute to the greats
The Berlinale honors renowned actors, directors and filmmakers with a Golden Honorary Bear and an Homage. This year's Homage is dedicated to the exceptional director Steven Spielberg. The festive highlight is the gala with the award ceremony at the Berlinale Palast with the film The Fabelmans.
Generation - For Young Moviegoers
The next generation of moviegoers is growing up with the films for children and young people. A distinction is made between Generation Kplus for children and Generation 14plus for teenagers. However, the films are also popular with adults.
Perspektive Deutsches Kino - New Films from Germany
What's new in German film? You can explore this question in the works of the new generation of German filmmakers.
Berlinale goes Kiez
This series goes into the Berlin neighborhood. Selected films are shown in small neighborhood cinemas and visit the Berliners in their regular cinemas. This creates a very special atmosphere when the film teams present their works in a small setting.
The whole program of the Berlinale
You can find the entire program in all sections at berlinale.de. Then you can put together your film selection from all sections and create your very own festival program.
