Berlinale 2026: Films in & Out of Competition – A Complete Overview
- Berlin is bracing for another vibrant edition of the Berlinale, kicking off February 12th and running through February 22nd.
- Several films vying for the top prizes promise compelling narratives and artistic ambition.
- Karim Aïnouz’s Rosebush Pruning marks a shift in setting for the Berlin-based director, bringing together an American cast in Spain.
Berlin is bracing for another vibrant edition of the Berlinale, kicking off and running through . While the festival is renowned for its competitive slate, a deeper dive reveals a wealth of cinematic experiences beyond the Golden and Silver Bear chase. This year’s program, as always, is expansive, offering a diverse range of films catering to a multitude of tastes, and a significant portion of the festival’s appeal lies in its out-of-competition offerings.
Competition Highlights
A Focus on Complex Narratives
Several films vying for the top prizes promise compelling narratives and artistic ambition. Emin Alper’s Kurtuluş (Salvation), for example, continues the director’s exploration of societal tensions and the clash between tradition and state power, a hallmark of his previous work. Alain Gomis returns to the competition with Dao, weaving a story connecting France and Guinea-Bissau, building on his established presence at the festival with previous entries like Today and Félicité.
Karim Aïnouz’s Rosebush Pruning marks a shift in setting for the Berlin-based director, bringing together an American cast in Spain. The film’s promise of a unique constellation of talent and location adds to the anticipation. Meanwhile, Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, known for their fluid blend of documentary and fiction, present The Loneliest Man in Town, a story of redemption and unexpected connection.
Bold Visions and Established Voices
Ulrike Ottinger takes a playful, yet potentially unsettling, approach to historical legend with The Blood Countess, starring Isabelle Huppert. The film reimagines the infamous Countess Bathory, injecting a cult sensibility into the gruesome tale. Amanda Seyfried takes on a significant role in The Testament of Ann Lee, a biographical drama exploring the origins of the Shaker movement. The film, directed by Mona Fastvold, is already generating buzz ahead of its premiere.
For those seeking more visceral experiences, Saccharine promises a boundary-pushing horror, exploring themes of body image and obsession with a relentlessly uncompromising approach. Further afield, Monster Pabrik Rambut brings Indonesian cinema to the forefront, while WAX & GOLD offers a documentary perspective from a grand hotel in Addis Ababa.
International Perspectives
The competition also showcases a strong international presence. Kornel Mundruczó’s At The Sea, starring Amy Adams, delves into themes of trauma and identity. Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana offers a glimpse into the world of the Philippine elite, while Saša Vajda’s The Lights, They Fall explores the complexities of life in Berlin’s periphery. Shanghai Daughter, from an unnamed director, promises a compelling story set against the backdrop of China’s economic landscape.
Beyond the Competition: A Diverse Landscape
The Berlinale’s strength lies not only in its competition films but also in its curated sections that showcase a wider spectrum of cinematic voices. The Forum Expanded section, for instance, presents experimental and boundary-pushing works, including Castings for a Film, Ihsan’s Diary, a film exploring a film project in Beirut, and Fanfiction: Volcanology, from Indonesian filmmaker Riar Rizaldi.
The festival also pays homage to cinematic history with screenings of classics like Richard Linklater’s Slacker, a defining film of the independent American cinema movement, and Chantal Akerman’s D’Est, a poignant journey through Eastern Europe. Rosa von Praunheim’s Prince in Hellland, a gritty portrayal of Berlin’s drug scene in the early 1990s, offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the city’s history.
Documentary filmmaking is also well-represented, with films like Chronicles from the Siege, offering a perspective on the Syrian uprising, and Traces, focusing on the strength of women in Ukraine. The festival also includes a special presentation of G.W. Pabst’s Secrets of a Soul, enhanced with neurotechnological elements.
The 76th Berlinale promises a rich and varied cinematic experience, extending far beyond the competition films. With a program that embraces both established auteurs and emerging talents, the festival continues to solidify its position as a vital platform for international cinema. The full program, including screening times and ticket information, is available on the Berlinale website.