Every February, Berlin celebrates its International Film Festival, called "Berlinale"; it is a must-go for film aficionados and one of the most exciting events in Germany.
In 2010, the Berlinale celebrates its 60th anniversary and takes place from February 11-21.
The Berlinale showcases more than 400 movies from all over the world, many of them world or European premiers. In addition, the festival hosts a large number of special events, panel discussions, exhibitions, and of course, many star-studded parties.
Together with the Film Festivals of Cannes and Venice, the Berlinale is one of the most important film events in Europe. But what makes the Berlin Festival so special, is its openness and inclusiveness:
With over 200,000 tickets sold annually to the public, the festival is more than just an industry gathering for film professionals. It is the biggest audience film festival in the world, open to anyone who loves movies.
The Berlin Film Festival was established in 1951, only six years after the end of the Second World War.
With large parts of Berlin still lying in ruins, the organizers of the festival worked hard to revive the cultural energy of their city. Opening with Hitchcock’s film "Rebecca", the first Berlinale was a huge success, embraced by Berlin and the world.
The Berlin Festival is divided into different film sections, each one with its own focus:
Competition: "Big" international movies are competing for the prestigious awards, the Silver and Golden Bear
Panorama: Independent art house productions and documentaries
German Kino: Latest productions from Germany, including feature and documentary films (all with English subtitles)
Forum: Experimental and cutting edge films, most of them from far-flung corners of the world
Generation: International film selection for kids and teenagers
The Berlinale takes place at Potsdamer Platz; it is the heart of the festival with most of the theaters, the "Berlinale Palast" and its red carpet and star-studded premiers, hotels, restaurants, and the staff headquarters of the festival.
Other festival venues within the city center of Berlin can be reached from Potsdamer Platz via a free shuttle bus.
Subway/Metro:
Take the metro lines U2, S1, S2, or S25 to Potsdamer Platz
Ticket Prices range from 7-11 Euro. You can get your Berlinale tickets:
- Online (with credit cards),
- At the central ticket counter (housed in the shopping mall "Arkaden", in the center of Potsdamer Platz)
- At the box-offices of the theaters
Tickets purchased at the ticket counter and box offices have to be paid in cash. Students pay half price (only at box-office).
The Berlinale is the city’s largest cultural event, and it seems to be growing every year. With 400 films and many different venues to choose from, it can seem a bit overwhelming, even if you are a regular.
Check out our Berlinale Festival Tips to get the most out of your Berlinale: Find out how to get cheap tickets and good seats, what films to see, and where to spot celebrities.
Check out the Best Festivals in Germany.
