The Berlinale is the city's most glamourous event. Since it takes place in Berlin black dress code usually prevails ;) With more than 400 films shown it attracts the elite of the film industry as well as the largest audience of any film festival in the world.
The Berlinale's programme includes about 400 films of various genres and formats that are open to the general public, the vast majority of which are world or European premieres.
It is divided into different sections, each with a unique profile: Major international productions in the Competition, independent and art-house productions in Panorama, films for a young audience in the Generation category, the most exciting German cinema productions in Perspektive Deutsches Kino, an in-depth look at films from distant countries and experimental forms in the Forum, and an investigation of various other cinematic possibilities in the Berlinale Shorts.
The programme is topped off by a thematic Retrospective and a Homage that focuses on the life's work of a great film personality. Both these categories, which are curated by the Berlin Film Museum, aim to place contemporary cinema within a historical context.
Cannes is fancier. And Venice warmer. But the Berlinale has nevertheless been one of the world's leading film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice since it was founded in 1951. It is considered a "working festival," although stars are also welcome in Berlin. In West Berlin times, East-West dialogue always had absolute priority. Several classics of cinematic art are among the winners of the "Golden Bear". US cult films like "Smoke" by Wayne Wang (1995) and "Dead Man Walking" by Tim Robbins (1996) first screened at the Berlinale. Usually more interesting to cineastes than the competition itself is the festival's second section, the International Forum of Young Cinema, which has been around since 1971."
Learn more about the Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival
Also, check our list of the best hotels in Berlin and book your stay during the event.