The Berlin Film Festival Begins In February

Film festivals are the heart and soul of cinema, especially when it comes to screening films that are not entirely made for commercial purposes, like documentaries and art house films. Festivals like Sundance and Cannes are widely known for their brilliance and their importance in the critique of good films. However, there is one festival that may not be as glamorous as the others but holds a very high value in terms of addressing serious questions through movies. The Berlin Film Festival is now all set to open its arms in the cold month of February to welcome films that discuss thoughtful themes such as war, poverty, politics, and so much more.

Political Themes

This time, the focus on war and politics will be even higher at the Berlin Film Festival. This is because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sparking a war that is still ongoing. Hence documentaries and drama films that focus on the subject are being held in the limelight. One of the most eye-catching entries is certainly Superpower, a documentary by American actor and director Sean Penn alongside Aaron Kaufmann. Work on the documentary began early, even before the invasion of Ukraine. The documentary also features several interviews with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Other important entries in the Berlin Film Festival include Golda, a biopic by Guy Nattiv starring Helen Mirren acting as the former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. More mainstream commercial films include TÁR by Todd Field and The Fabelmans directed by none other than Steven Spielberg. These are some of the better-known Hollywood productions that will be featured at the Berlin Film Festival held every year in Germany. Both films discuss very intriguing topics. However, documentaries from around the world take the cake when it comes to portraying important themes.

Iron Butterflies by Roman Liubyi, Vitaly Mansky and Eastern Front by Yevhen Titarenko, We Will Not Fade Away by Alisa Kovalenko, and In Ukraine by Piotr Pawlus and Tomasz Wolski will all be a part of the Berlin Film Festival. These are all films and documentaries that deal with Ukraine and the current situation. Ukraine is not the only region represented in the festival. It is recognized that other regions out there are also witnessing geopolitical turmoil.

Iranian Representation

The political disturbances in Iran are also addressed with documentaries such as My Worst Enemy by Mehran Tamadon and And, Towards Happy Alleys, by Sreemoyee Singh. Moreover, journalists and media personalities that favour the ruling governments or are known for having strong links with them have been banned from attending the Berlin Film Festival. Not only this but companies and film delegations with similar links have also been banned. This is to show support to the protesters in Ukraine and Iran. A solid proof of the commitment towards art and the portrayal of politics through films.

This year, the Berlin Film Festival has nothing to hide and will be bolder than ever as it reissues the colours of Ukraine on the official lapel pin. It will also include merchandise paintings by Ukrainian artists to show support for the art of the country since art in itself is the greatest form of protest that cannot be stopped, halted or resisted.

In a Nutshell

The Berlin Film Festival this time is going no holds barred with its political focus on cinema. No festival has dared to protest against political wrongdoings as much as this one. The sheer practicality and show of solidarity is a unique trait of the Berlinale and is a marvel to witness. Especially because of the extremely well-curated list of documentaries.