As the Berlinale approaches its 75th edition, Europe's largest public film festival is undergoing an exciting transformation. Festival Director Tricia Tuttle has announced a series of changes that promise to breathe new life into this iconic cinematic celebration, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy in the ever-evolving world of film.
Mathilde Henrot © Olivier Marceny
Jessica Kiang
Jacqueline Lyanga Co-Director of Film Programming © Michael Buckner
Jacqueline Nsiah © Engin Oruc
Elad Samorzik © Yom Omer
Michael Stütz Co-Director of Film Programming and Head of Panorama © Stefanie Schmid Rincon / Berlinale
A New-Look Selection Committee
At the heart of these changes is the appointment of four distinguished members to a revamped selection committee. This team will play a crucial role in shaping the festival's program, particularly the prestigious Competition section, the Berlinale Special, and the discovery-focused Perspectives section.
The new committee members bring a wealth of diverse experience to the table:
1. Mathilde Henrot: A programmer, producer, and co-founder of Festival Scope, Henrot brings her experience from the Locarno Film Festival and Sarajevo Film Festival.
2. Jessica Kiang: A Berlin-based film critic and essayist with nearly 15 years of experience, Kiang also serves as the international programmer for the Belfast Film Festival.
3. Jacqueline Nsiah: Based in Accra, Ghana, Nsiah brings a valuable African perspective and extensive experience in cinema and cultural project management.
4. Elad Samorzik: With a decade of experience as Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Film Festival, Samorzik brings his expertise as a film programmer and industry consultant.
This diverse committee will work alongside Tuttle and her Co-Directors of Film Programming, as well as the experienced Heads of Sections from various Berlinale programs. Their collective goal? To deliver a dynamic and diverse program that showcases contemporary cinema as a "dazzling art form."
Expanding the Network: Advisors and Delegates
In addition to the new selection committee, Tuttle has introduced a group of Advisors and Delegates to further enhance the festival's expertise and international reach.
Advisors
The new advisory team includes specialists in various areas:
- Jin Park: Focusing on genre films
- Rowan Woods: Bringing expertise in international series programming
- Ana David, Kate Taylor, Rabih El-Khoury, and Toby Ashraf: Contributing to general preselection
- Jenni Zylka: Returning to support German cinema programming, with a focus on new talent
Delegates
A team of international delegates will scout for talent and act as ambassadors for the Berlinale across the globe:
- Mara Fortes: Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador
- Luciano Monteagudo: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay
- Meenakshi Shedde: South Asia
- Eduardo Valente: Brazil
- Ryan Werner: United States
- Norman Wang and Jacob Wong: Taiwan, Hong Kong, China
A Vision for the Future
These changes reflect the Berlinale's commitment to remaining at the forefront of the film festival world. As Tuttle notes, "We introduce films locally which we hope will go on to reach audiences around the globe; it is always a privilege to be part of this journey, as we know that cinema is an art form that is as dazzlingly vibrant as it is vital."
With nearly 20,000 international professionals and over 324,000 public admissions annually, the Berlinale holds a unique position in the film festival landscape. The new team, with its diverse perspectives and tastes, aims to build a program that befits this status and continues to celebrate the power of cinema.
Looking Ahead to the 75th Berlinale
As the film world eagerly anticipates the 75th edition of the Berlinale, these changes promise a fresh and exciting approach to programming. With a team that brings "a generous love of diverse forms of cinema and an excitement about sharing that passion," the 2025 Berlinale is shaping up to be a must-attend event for film lovers and industry professionals alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this milestone edition of one of the world's most beloved film festivals. The future of cinema looks bright, and the Berlinale is ready to shine a spotlight on the very best the medium has to offer.
Berlinale 2025
Dates: February 13-23, 2025
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