The 75th Berlinale opened with a glamorous ceremony featuring notable figures like Tom Tykwer, Tilda Swinton, and Todd Haynes. The event honored victims of a recent Munich attack and showcased a retrospective of the festival’s history. Swinton delivered a powerful speech advocating for justice and solidarity. With over 200 films, including German entries, and appearances from stars like Marion Cotillard and Timothée Chalamet, the festival promises an exciting atmosphere from February 13 to 24, 2025.
Celebrating the 75th Berlinale: A Star-Studded Opening
The iconic red carpet has been unveiled as the 75th Berlinale kicks off in style. Renowned filmmakers Tom Tykwer, Tilda Swinton, and Todd Haynes graced the opening ceremony, which featured a dazzling gala and a fresh vision under new leadership.
The festivities commenced on Thursday evening at the Berlinale Palace, with director Tricia Tuttle and host Désirée Nosbusch welcoming an audience of around 1,500 distinguished guests from the realms of politics and culture. The festival took a moment to remember the victims of the recent attack in Munich, expressing solidarity: ‘Our prayers and our hearts go out to the people in Munich.’
International Jury and Tilda Swinton’s Impactful Speech
The Berlinale celebrated its rich 75-year history with a cinematic retrospective showcasing memorable moments and past award winners. Additionally, the six-member international jury was unveiled, featuring esteemed actress Maria Schrader and Chinese star Fan Bingbing. Under the guidance of Oscar-nominated Todd Haynes, the jury will determine the recipients of the Golden and Silver Bears on February 22.
A standout moment of the evening was the heartfelt address by Tilda Swinton, who received the Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement. Having served as the jury president in 2009 and participated in 26 Berlinale films, Swinton’s influence is undeniable. In her acceptance speech, she condemned exclusionary politics, advocating for justice and humane solidarity in times of turmoil. She emphasized cinema’s potential to illuminate the world, declaring it ‘a light in the darkness that never goes out,’ and concluded with a compelling call: ‘Why not!’
Tricia Tuttle, the new Berlinale director, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgent need for dialogue: ‘I hope that we listen to each other. I think it is more urgent than ever that we can talk to each other.’
This year’s festival will showcase over 200 international films, with 19 vying for the coveted Golden and Silver Bears. Among the German contenders are ‘What Marielle Knows’ by Frédéric Hambalek and the co-production ‘Yunan’ by Ameer Fakher Eldin, which explores the life of an Arab author in exile.
Star power abounds at this year’s Berlinale, with internationally celebrated actors like Marion Cotillard, Jessica Chastain, and Timothée Chalamet set to attend. The festival promises a vibrant atmosphere as fans eagerly await the appearances of their favorite celebrities.
The opening film, ‘The Light’ by Tom Tykwer, follows a family’s life disrupted by a Syrian housekeeper, setting the tone for a festival that runs from February 13 to 24, 2025. As the largest public film festival in the world, the Berlinale has already begun ticket sales, inviting audiences to partake in this cinematic celebration.