Berlinale 2023 will take place in Berlin from February 16th to 26th.
A total of 283 films from 67 countries will be shown from February 16 to 26, as Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian announced on Monday in the capital. In the previous year there were 256 productions.
After the cinemas were only half occupied last year due to the pandemic, the 73rd Berlinale will again take place with full halls. “We are pleased that the audience can come in full capacity,” said Rissenbeek.
18 films in competition
In this year’s Berlinale competition, 18 entries will compete for the Golden and Silver Bears. Productions from 19 countries are represented. 15 films will be shown as world premieres, with six directed by women. According to Chatrian, this year’s entries cover “the whole range of cinematic forms”. This includes comedies, historical films and documentaries.
The competition films include, for example, the drama “Manodrome” by South African director John Trengove, Margarethe von Trotta’s contribution “Ingeborg Bachmann – Reise in die Wüste” about the Austrian poet and the animated film “Suzume” by Japanese director Makoto Shinkai.
The documentary «Superpower» about Zelenskyy
This year’s Encounters section includes 16 films, all of which are world premieres, including four debut films. “The political dimension is a little more prominent than usual this year,” said Chatrian.
The Berlinale Special program includes 17 productions. Among the contributions from eleven countries are four documentary forms, twelve feature films and one animated film revue. A special highlight is the documentary “Superpower” about the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The film by Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman will have its world premiere in Berlin.
However, not only films deal with the situation in Ukraine – the Berlinale badge also has the Ukrainian national colors this year. “We will think of Ukraine every day,” said Rissenbeek.
Steven Spielberg is coming to Berlin
Among the many filmmakers coming to the capital this year will be US director Steven Spielberg. The multiple Oscar winner is awarded the Honorary Golden Bear for his life’s work.
Last year, the Berlinale took place with a stricter hygiene concept due to the pandemic: This included 2G Plus conditions, a mask requirement and cinemas that were only half occupied. Parties and receptions, with the exception of the opening ceremony in the Berlinale Palace, were also canceled.
(AFP)