{"id":2138,"date":"2026-02-17T15:45:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/fubest\/?p=2138"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:44:35","slug":"how-to-dive-into-berlinale-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.fu-berlin.de\/fubest\/2026\/02\/17\/how-to-dive-into-berlinale-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"How to dive into Berlinale 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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\u2019s „showcase of the free world<\/em>“ deeply rooted in its history: the Berlinale<\/strong>, Berlin International Film Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1951 at the start of the Cold War\u2014during which Berlin became both a stage and a symbol\u2014the Berlinale reflects the city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the Berlinale runs from February 12 to 22<\/strong>. While the first few days have already flown by\u2014and you may have been lucky enough to experience them\u2014the festival\u2019s program is still packed with must-see films. And if you don\u2019t manage to get tickets in time, don\u2019t worry! It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is part of my personal selection of films that caught my attention\u2014ones worth watching now, or in the coming months when they will become available in theaters or on streaming platforms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n