Berlinale 2025: The Most Prestigious Lineup in Its 75-Year History

January 22, 2025 – Berlin Film Festival 2025


For over seven decades, the Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale, has stood as one of the most prestigious and vibrant celebrations of cinema worldwide. Held annually in the German capital, the Festival is a melting pot of creativity and cultural exchange, drawing filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from across the globe. Known for its thought-provoking programming, the Berlinale champions diversity, showcasing everything from groundbreaking arthouse films to mainstream cinematic masterpieces.

The 75th edition of the Festival, taking place from February 13 to 23, 2025, is set to uphold its legacy with a stellar lineup of films, events, and industry forums. From its iconic Opening Gala at the Berlinale Palast to its competitive Golden and Silver Bear awards, the Festival continues to spotlight cinematic brilliance. Beyond the screenings, Berlinale also features its renowned Series Market and European Film Market, providing a hub for creators, buyers, and distributors to collaborate and shape the future of cinema.

This year, the Berlinale unveils its most ambitious lineup yet. Featuring 20 world premieres, it brings works from acclaimed filmmakers like Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke, and Michel Franco’s Dreams, featuring Jessica Chastain. The 75th edition also marks a fresh start under new Artistic Director Tricia Tuttle, following Carlo Chatrian’s tenure.

The Berlinale Special program will screen James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan. Actor Tilda Swinton will receive an Honorary Golden Bear, with a showing of the 1987 film Friendship’s Death to mark the occasion.

Here’s a closer look at what makes the 75th Berlinale an unmissable celebration of cinema.

Berlin Film Festival - Berlinale 2025

Opening Gala and Film

The 75th Berlin International Film Festival will officially open on February 13, 2025, with a Grand Opening Gala at the Berlinale Palast, featuring the World Premiere of Tom Tykwer’s The Light. The evening will honor Tilda Swinton with the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime achievements and introduce the International Jury, chaired by Todd Haynes, who will oversee the selection of the Golden and Silver Bear winners. Hosted by Luxembourg actor, filmmaker, and presenter Désirée Nosbusch, the Gala will also be live-streamed, in collaboration with X Verleih, to cinemas in seven cities across Germany, marking the Festival’s 75th anniversary and extending its cinematic celebration beyond Berlin.


Competition: Films in Focus

This year’s Berlinale Competition features 19 films, including one first feature and one documentary, competing for the Golden and Silver Bears. Productions from 26 countries are represented, with 17 world premieres and eight films directed or co-directed by women. Notably, nine of the participating filmmakers have previously screened their works at the Berlinale. Under the vision of Artistic Director Tricia Tuttle, this year’s lineup weaves together powerful political themes, intimate human stories, and cinematic experimentation. Guided by Filmmaker Todd Haynes, who chairs the jury, the Festival celebrates the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, inviting audiences into worlds both familiar and extraordinary.


World Premieres

“Ari”
Directed by Léonor Serraille
France/Belgium
Starring Andranic Manet and Eva Lallier. This drama explores themes of human fragility and resilience.

“Blue Moon”
Directed by Richard Linklater
USA/Ireland
Featuring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley. This film explores the final days of Lorenz Hart, one half of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers & Hart.

“La Cache” (“The Safe House”)
Directed by Lionel Baier
Switzerland/Luxembourg/France
An intriguing narrative that masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth.

“Dreams”
Directed by Michel Franco
Mexico
Jessica Chastain stars as a philanthropist whose relationship with a young ballet dancer. Played by Isaac Hernández, forms the heart of this stirring story.

“Hot Milk”
Directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
United Kingdom
Starring Emma Mackey and Fiona Shaw. This debut film delves into intense familial dynamics.

“Kontinental ’25”
Directed by Radu Jude
Romania
A sharp, satirical take on human interactions and societal constructs.

“Living the Land” (“Sheng xi zhi di”)
Directed by Huo Meng
China
A poetic and moving exploration of rural life and cultural identity.

“Reflection in a Dead Diamond” (“Reflet dans un diamant mort”)
Directed by Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani
Belgium/Luxembourg/Italy/France
A visually stunning homage to classic cinema aesthetics.

“The Blue Trail” (“O último azul”)
Directed by Gabriel Mascaro
Brazil/Mexico/Chile/Netherlands
An evocative journey across landscapes and emotions.

“Girls on Wire” (“Xiang fei de nv hai”)
Directed by Vivian Qu
China
A story of resilience and transformation, featuring Liu Haocun.


International Premieres

“Dreams (Sex Love)” (“Drømmer”)
Directed by Dag Johan Haugerud
Norway
A nuanced look at love and relationships, rich in emotional complexity.

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
Directed by Mary Bronstein
USA
This dark comedy features Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky in a story of unexpected connections.


Berlinale Special Gala

The Berlinale Special Gala section showcases exceptional cinematic works outside the main competition. This year, the lineup includes 21 films from 16 countries, featuring four documentaries, 16 feature films, and one series.

Highlighted Films:

“A Complete Unknown”
Directed by James Mangold
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, and Elle Fanning. This film explores the early life of Bob Dylan.

“After This Death”
Directed by Lucio Castro
Featuring Mia Maestro and Lee Pace. The film examines love and loss through an intimate lens.

“Heldin (Late Shift)”
Directed by Petra Volpe
A gripping story of resilience and dedication. Focusing on a nurse during an intense hospital shift.

“Mickey 17”
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring Robert Pattinson. This sci-fi thriller is one of the most anticipated films of the section.

For more information, visit the official Berlinale Program.


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