75. Berlinale Highlights
Taking place between Feb 13-23, the 75th Berlin International Film Festival promises a rich lineup of international cinema, blending established auteurs with bold new voices. From the highly anticipated competition films to experimental works, this year’s Berlinale is set to be a celebration of diverse storytelling. Below is a comprehensive look at the festival’s highlights, categorized by section.
One of the most highly anticipated events of the festival is the presentation of the Honorary Golden Bear to Tilda Swinton. The celebrated actress will be recognized for her outstanding contributions to cinema, with a special retrospective of her most iconic performances accompanying the award ceremony.
Directed by Tom Tykwer, “The Light” is opening the festival with , a drama exploring the dynamics of the Engels family, whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious Syrian housekeeper.
Competition Section
The heart of the Berlinale, the Competition Section, showcases films vying for the prestigious Golden Bear and Silver Bears. This year, an international jury led by director Todd Haynes will determine the winners. Some of the most anticipated films include:
Kontinental ’25 : Radu Jude’s new satirical drama set in Romania will be an absolute favourite in the main competition. The narrative centers on Orsolya, a bailiff in Cluj, who faces a moral crisis following a tragic incident during an eviction.
Reflection in a Dead Diamond: Directed by Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, this action thriller centers on John D, a septuagenarian retired spy living in a luxury hotel on the French Riviera. Intrigued by his neighbor who evokes memories of his past, John’s world is upended when this neighbor mysteriously disappears, forcing him to confront old adversaries and personal demons. The film stars Fabio Testi, Yannick Renier, Koen De Bouw, and Maria de Medeiros.
The Ice Tower (La Tour de Glace): Directed by Lucile Hadžihalilović, this fantasy drama is set in the 1970s and follows Cristina, an enigmatic actress portrayed by Marion Cotillard, who is filming an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” Simultaneously, Jeanne, a runaway teenage orphan, takes refuge in the studio where the film is being shot, leading to a mutual fascination between the two. The cast also includes Clara Pacini, August Diehl, and Gaspar Noé.
Blue Moon: Richard Linklater returns with a biopic focusing on lyricist Lorenz Hart, featuring performances by Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley.
Yunan – Directed by Anastasios Dosis and starring Sibel Kekilli, Yunan follows a German journalist who embarks on a journey through Greece, encountering people and landscapes that reshape his understanding of identity and belonging. The film blends road-movie aesthetics with a deeply personal narrative.
Dreams: Michel Franco presents a Mexican love story starring Jessica Chastain, delving into complex emotional landscapes.
Berlinale Special Gala:
Mickey 17: Bong Joon-ho’s latest sci-fi venture features Robert Pattinson as a space traveler who confronts multiple clones of himself, blending dark humor with dystopian themes.
Lurker: Directed by Alex Russell, this American drama premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The story follows Matthew, a retail worker who becomes part of the inner circle of a rising pop star named Oliver. As Matthew’s involvement deepens, he revels in his newfound status but soon faces the complexities and challenges that come with it.
Panorama Section
The Panorama section is dedicated to independent and daring filmmaking, where unique voices in cinema shine. This year’s highlights include:
Peter Hujar’s Day: Directed by Ira Sachs, this film offers a glimpse into the 1974 New York downtown art scene through a conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz. It provides insights into the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life.
Cicadas: In Ina Weisse’s drama, Nina Hoss portrays Anja, a single mother who forms an unexpected friendship with Isabell, a woman caring for her aging parents. The film delves into themes of friendship and personal challenges.
Confidente: Directed by Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, this Turkish-French-Luxembourg co-production is set in Ankara in 1999. The narrative follows Arzu, who works at an erotic call center. Following an earthquake in Istanbul, a young man she spoke with earlier contacts her again, pleading for rescue from the rubble. The film stars Saadet Işıl Aksoy, Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, and Muhammet Uzuner.
Hysteria: A German-Turkish production by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, which explores the chaos on a film set following the burning of a Quran. The incident throws the crew into turmoil, and intern Elif finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies. The film features Devrim Lingnau, Mehdi Meskar, Serkan Kaya, and Nicolette Krebitz. “Hysteria” is set to premiere in the Panorama section of the Berlinale.
Other Sections
The Forum section delves into experimental and avant-garde cinema, providing space for filmmakers who push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic form. Expect unconventional narratives, visually striking aesthetics, and thought-provoking themes.
The Berlinale Shorts section continues to push cinematic boundaries with bold storytelling in a condensed format. These films often serve as launching pads for emerging directors, offering audiences fresh and experimental narratives.
A section dedicated to young audiences, Generation presents films that speak to the experiences of children and teenagers. This selection ensures that Berlinale remains a festival for all ages, nurturing future generations of cinephiles.
Special Conversations & Industry Events
Nina Hoss in Conversation: Renowned German actress Nina Hoss, celebrated for her roles in films like Tár, Phoenix, My Little Sister, and Barbara, will engage in an in-depth discussion about her illustrious career and experiences in the film industry. This event offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights into her artistic journey and perspectives. Besides, Yella (2007) directed by Christian Petzold will be showcased in this year’s Berlinale Special section. The film was featured in the Competition section of the 57th Berlin International Film Festival that year, where Nina Hoss won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for her role in the film.
Berlin on Film: A Conversation with Tom Tykwer: Acclaimed director Tom Tykwer, known for films such as Run Lola Run and Cloud Atlas, will delve into the portrayal of Berlin in cinema. With his latest film, The Light, opening this year’s Berlinale, Tykwer will discuss how the city has influenced his work and its representation on screen. This conversation promises to provide a captivating exploration of Berlin’s cinematic landscape.
Both events are part of the Berlinale’s HUB75 program, which features a series of discussions and panels with prominent figures in the film industry.
With a dynamic selection of films and industry events, Berlinale 2025 is set to be a landmark edition, celebrating the best in contemporary cinema while honoring its rich legacy. Stay tuned for more updates as the festival unfolds.
Nil Birinci
