BERLIN (MNN); Twenty-two films, ranging from an introspective drama on ageing starring Juliette Binoche to a Japanese animated feature and a historical black-and-white drama led by German actor Sandra Hueller, will compete for the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival next month.
The 76th edition of the Berlin Film Festival, which attracted over 450,000 viewers last year, will take place from February 12 to 22.
This year’s competition section includes films from 28 countries. Among them is the anime feature debut “A New Dawn” by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, as well as the American documentary “YO Love is a Rebellious Bird” by Anna Fitch and Banker White, focusing on female friendship.
Family-centered narratives feature prominently in the lineup. Rupert Grint appears in the dark fairy tale “Nightborn”, while “Josephine”, starring Channing Tatum, is a psychological thriller exploring a family whose sense of security collapses. Amy Adams stars in “At the Sea”, portraying a woman who returns home after completing rehabilitation.
Juliette Binoche will be seen in the French production “Queen at Sea”, while Sandra Hueller, known for her roles in Oscar-winning films “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest”, leads the black-and-white drama “Rose”, set during the final phase of the Thirty Years’ War.
A new programme has been introduced this year for audiences aged 18 to 25, offering tickets at a reduced price of six euros.
Festival director Tricia Tuttle said at a press conference that cinema was facing a crucial challenge. She said the festival aimed to preserve the diversity and richness of film culture.
International celebrities and major Hollywood figures are expected to attend the festival, including Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh, who will receive an honorary Golden Bear at the opening ceremony for her contributions to cinema, including roles in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
The festival will open with “No Good Men” by Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat, a film highlighting Afghanistan’s deeply patriarchal society. Tricia Tuttle described the film as a powerful reminder of shared humanity and global responsibility.
Veteran German filmmaker Wim Wenders, aged 80, will chair the international jury responsible for awarding the Golden Bear. Festival organisers said they were delighted to have him lead the jury for the first time.
