Berlin International Film Festival

One of the Big Three European festivals.

The Berlinale is known for politically

engaged cinema and strong support for

emerging international voices. The Golden

Bear is one of cinema's most prestigious

awards. The European Film Market runs

simultaneously.

Berlin values politically and socially

engaged cinema. They prioritise films that

interrogate power, identity, and human

rights. They have strong representation

of international cinema from underrepresented

territories — Africa, Southeast Asia,

Latin America. The Panorama and Forum

sections support more experimental work.

Capernaum, Touch Me Not, On Body and Soul,

Transit, Mr. Turner

Berlin receives submissions through their

online portal for some sections. The main

competition is largely by invitation.

Panorama and Forum are more accessible

and have strong track records for launching

international careers.