Berlinale 2023: A Triumphant Return to the Spotlight

Laughter, tears, mass walkouts. The Berlinale is back.

(Image: Will Rowan)

After two years of pandemic-affected film festivals, audiences returned in full force to this year’s Berlinale. Berlin is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and I was there with full press accreditation for Vision. Let me take you behind the scenes.

The highlight of this festival by far were the hundreds of thousands of people who attended. Every screening I attended was full, including venues with capacities in the thousands. It brought both the city and each film to life. Laughter, tears, mass walkouts. The Berlinale had it all in abundance.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony marks the official opening of the Berlinale; It’s a chance to hear from the organisers, the juries, and see a glimpse of the programmes of films on offer this year. An address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the highlight here. It was a timely and impassioned speech that connected directly to the festival and the importance of cinema – with Sean Penn’s Superpower, a chronicle of Russia’s invasion, premiering at the festival.

Zelenskyy addressing us at the opening ceremony.
(Image: Will Rowan)

Berlinale Goes Kiez: Exploring the City

In Germany, your Kiez is your neighbourhood. The Berlinale celebrates the diverse neighbourhoods of Berlin through the Berlinale Goes Kiez program, which screens selected films at venues across the city. This initiative encourages attendees to explore beyond the tourist hotspots and experience more of Berlin’s unique character.

Navigating the various central venues was made easy by Berlin’s efficient and affordable public transport system, adding an element of adventure to the festival experience. Most evenings, around 18:00, I’d be standing outside a cinema, figuring out how I was going to travel the next 5km in 30 minutes. It’s all part of the fun.

The Films

Looking at the programme is overwhelming. There are hundreds of films in tens of locations, spread across 12 days. After circling a few, you just have to pick some and go. Thankfully, the programme is split into distinct strands which help you hone in what you want to see.

Eighteen films were in competition for the coveted Golden Bear, with this year’s International Jury led by Kristen Stewart. These films showcased works from both established and emerging filmmakers, offering a glimpse into the future of cinema while celebrating the achievements of today’s talented artists.

The Opening Ceremony included the world premiere of She Came To Me, to which I can only suggest that she shouldn’t have bothered. Navigating the festival’s extensive programme can be both exciting and challenging, as the quality of films is very unpredictable. However, this uncertainty also contributes to the festival’s charm, as it encourages you to explore unfamiliar territory and discover niches you otherwise may have passed over.

I reviewed Manodrome, Infinity Pool, Hello Dankness, Someday We’ll Tell Each Other Everything, and Inside all for York Vision. Infinity Pool was glorious and furious – a personal highlight.

Young at Heart

This year’s retrospective programme, “Young at Heart – Coming of Age at the Movies,” was exceptionally strong. Curated by renowned filmmakers from around the world, each selected their favourite coming-of-age film, with contributors including Martin Scorsese, Céline Sciamma, and Ryūsuke Hamaguchi.

I attended Wim Wenders’ pick, Rebel Without A Cause, with Wenders introducing the film in person and then staying to watch it with us. This event and the entire programme was an excellent tribute to the collective experience of growing up and stepping forward – exactly what it aimed to be.

Wim Wenders presenting his retrospective pick: Rebel Without A Cause.
(Image: Will Rowan)

Golden Bears and Fabelmans

Each year, the Honorary Golden Bear is awarded for Lifetime Achievement, recognising an individual’s exceptional contributions to the world of cinema. This year, U2’s Bono made a surprise appearance at the festival to present the award to up-and-comer [really? – Eds.] Steven Spielberg. This presentation coincided perfectly with the German premiere of Spielberg’s latest film, The Fabelmans.

In a heartfelt speech, Bono shared personal anecdotes about the impact of Spielberg’s films on his own life, recounting how they had managed to evoke fear and provide comfort all at once. It was a testament to Spielberg’s profound influence on generations of moviegoers. Bono’s words resonated deeply with the audience – a sentence I didn’t expect to write when I picked up my accreditation. It was a special evening and a fitting tribute to Spielberg’s continuing legacy and influence on filmmaking.

Luck and a quick finger had me in an impossibly good seat.
(Image: Will Rowan)

Celebrity Encounters: Red Carpets and Press Conferences

The Berlinale is known for the opportunities it gives attendees to interact with the people behind the films. The red carpet events and press conferences are essential aspects of the festival, offering glimpses into the thoughts and experiences of the actors, directors, and crew members who work to bring these films to life.

Press conferences offer journalists the chance to pose questions to directors and actors. Usually held before the World Premiere, the press is granted early access to screenings preceding these events. You could often sense their anticipation and also relief ahead of a premiere; they would speak quite candidly about the process. This year, the conferences were held in a conference room within the Grand Hyatt Berlin, just a minute walk from the red carpet outside Berlinale Palast.

Press conference for Someday We’ll Tell Each Other Everything
(Image: Will Rowan)

There are two sides to this red carpet: fans and press. Fans jostle for autographs while press dangle long lens cameras and try to motion stars over for a quick interview. It’s busy, loud, and a bit chilly. All of this adds to the experience of a screening. The cast and crew behind these films are just people, and these interactions beforehand remind us of that as we sit down to watch their latest work.

The red carpet outside Berlinale Palast.
(Image: Will Rowan)

Lights Coming Down

The 73rd Berlinale not only marked the full return of in-person film festivals but also served as a testament to the resilience and passion of the global film community. The Berlinale successfully adapted and thrived, offering a diverse and engaging selection of films that captivated audiences and critics alike.

This year’s festival has set the stage for an even more vibrant and inclusive celebration of storytelling, innovation, and the power of cinema to unite and inspire. The Berlinale is back.

You can hear further about my experiences on BBC Radio York (starting at 1:13:40).