The 74th edition of the globally renowned Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, is all set to commence this Thursday. The event is particularly noteworthy as it will be honouring the illustrious film director Martin Scorsese with the prestigious Golden Bear of Honor. This award is a recognition of Scorsese’s remarkable contributions to the world of cinema throughout his career. Additionally, this year’s festival will see a total of twenty films vying for the coveted Golden Bear. Among these contenders, new releases from Olivier Assayas, Bruno Dumont, and Mati Diop are being keenly anticipated, with their films ‘Suspended Time’, ‘The Empire’, and ‘Dahomey’ respectively.
The Berlinale is set to kick off its proceedings with the screening of the film ‘Small Things Like These’, directed by Tim Mielants and featuring Cillian Murphy in the lead. This film is also among the nominations for the Golden Bear. This year’s festival holds special significance as it marks the final edition under the stewardship of outgoing directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek. The mantle of leadership will be passed on to Tricia Tuttle, who previously held the role of director at the BFI London Film Festival (LFF).
Spain will be well-represented at this edition of the Berlinale, with the acclaimed filmmaker Albert Serra being a part of the international jury. Other notable jury members include director Ann Hui, novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko, actors Brady Corbet and Jasmine Trinca, and screenwriter and director Christian Petzold.
The 74th Berlinale will also feature a selection of Spanish productions. These films will be showcased in various sections including the Forum, where attendees can look forward to ‘Memories of a burning body’, helmed by Antonella Sudasassi, and the debut feature ‘La Hojarasca’ by director Macu Machín. The latter film features an ensemble cast comprising Machín’s family members: Carmen Machín, Elsa Machín, and Maura Pérez. In the Generation category, the film ‘Queens’ directed by Klaudia Reynicke will be screened, starring Abril Gjurinovic, Luana Vega, Jimena Lindo, Gonzalo Molina, and Susi Sánchez.
This year’s Berlinale will also be remembered for its political undertones. The Festival management made headlines when they decided to rescind invitations extended to members of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) for the opening gala. This decision, taken on February 8, was in response to criticism received over the inclusion of these politicians at the event, as per reports by DPA.
