Living in Berlin means navigating through a myriad of events, cultural happenings bursting from every corner, and immersing yourself in the beauty of art in all its forms. From music in clubs and pubs, bars, and concert halls to museums, art exhibitions, and street art, the city offers an endless stream of cultural experiences all year round. Among these, one event stands out as Berlin’s „showcase of the free world“ deeply rooted in its history: the Berlinale, Berlin International Film Festival.

Founded in 1951 at the start of the Cold War—during which Berlin became both a stage and a symbol—the Berlinale reflects the city’s unique cultural, political, and social dynamics. Destroyed by World War II and later divided, Berlin is a place where diverse ideas meet and clash, creating a vibrant intellectual and artistic ferment. The festival was conceived and organized by Oscar Martay, an American officer stationed in West Berlin, who secured funding from the U.S. military to launch its first edition. The goal was to rebuild the identity and consciousness of people devastated by the war through artistic expression.

This year, the Berlinale runs from February 13 to 23. While the first few days have already flown by—and you may have been lucky enough to experience them—the festival’s program is still packed with must-see films. And if you don’t manage to get tickets in time, don’t worry! It’s still a great opportunity to stay informed, keep an eye on upcoming film releases, take notes, and engage in discussions about a wide range of topics.

Below is part of my personal selection of films that caught my attention—ones worth watching now, or in the coming months when they will become available in theaters or on streaming platforms:

• After This Death, by Lucio Castro – While on one of her usual mountain hikes, Isabel meets the enigmatic Elliott, a musician with whom she instantly feels a deep connection—only for him to vanish without a trace soon after. The disappointment forces her to confront the cracks in her married life, revealing her own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Now, she must embark on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

• Das Deutsche Volk, by Marcin Wierzchowski: The documentary chronicles the 2020 racist attack in Hanau, Germany, which left nine young people dead, as seen through the eyes of the victims‘ families and survivors. It highlights their ongoing struggle with grief, the fight for recognition, and the lack of support from authorities in the aftermath of the tragedy. The film is also an exposition of the inadequacies of a system unprepared for right-wing violence, leaving the victims‘ families to uncover the truth on their own.
• Dar Band. Citizen-Inmate, by Hesam Eslami: If we consider the world as a structure similar to the panopticon, where powers constantly surveil the subjugated, what would happen if the roles were reversed? What if the prisoners were the ones watching their guards, and the system of domination was turned upside down? This documentary confronts us with the rapid advancement of technology, a society struggling to keep up, and the overwhelming political systems, while exploring ways of resistance that can challenge established power.