The 75th Berlinale, Germany’s prestigious international film festival, concluded this past weekend with fewer controversies than its 2024 counterpart. On the eve of the country’s general elections, the festival’s focus on cinema remained undisturbed by the usual political tensions, despite undercurrents of politics appearing in some speeches and films.

Golden Bear Winner: ‘Drømmer’ (Dreams (Sex Love))

This year’s top honor, the Golden Bear for Best Film, went to Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)), a compelling coming-of-age drama directed by Dag Johan Haugerud from Norway. The film explores the emotional journey of a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with her teacher, diving into themes of youthful longing, innocence, and the complications of adult relationships. Haugerud’s narrative touches on the struggles of youth in a way that is both universal and intimate, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.

The choice of Drømmer for the prestigious award reflects the festival’s ongoing appreciation for films that tackle complex social themes with sensitivity. Its success serves as a reminder of the festival’s focus on storytelling that has both artistic merit and emotional depth.

Silver Bear and Other Notable Awards

Other key prizes at this year’s Berlinale recognized a variety of strong performances and unique stories. The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize was awarded to O último azul (The Blue Trail), a dystopian film directed by Gabriel Mascaro. The movie examines the effects of ageism in a future where society has cast aside its older generations. Mascaro’s poignant critique of a future shaped by discrimination against the elderly resonated strongly, making it one of the standout films of the festival.

The Best Director award went to Huo Meng for Living The Land. Meng’s film is a gripping exploration of the human connection to nature and the struggles faced by those living in rural areas of China. It’s a film about survival, resilience, and the fragility of human existence. Meng’s direction brought out raw emotions and crafted a visual journey that left a lasting impact on viewers.

Rose Byrne won Best Leading Performance for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a dark comedy about a woman confronting the challenges of growing up with disabilities. Byrne’s performance was praised for its depth and authenticity, making the character’s struggles both relatable and thought-provoking.

Radu Jude’s Kontinental ’25 won the Best Screenplay award. The film’s writing tackles controversial topics in Eastern Europe, specifically dealing with history and national identity. Jude’s screenplay was recognized for its sharp dialogue and clever exploration of the complexities of political and historical narratives.

Political Undercurrents and Controversial Speeches

While the 75th Berlinale was generally less controversial than the previous year, politics still made its mark, particularly in speeches and in the themes of certain films. Notably, Radu Jude made waves with his speech during the award ceremony, in which he took aim at the growing influence of techno-capitalism and authoritarianism. Jude’s words resonated with the audience, and he also referenced Germany’s far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party, which was preparing for the national elections.

Jude’s comments struck a chord at a time when Europe, and particularly Germany, is grappling with political shifts and a rise in populist rhetoric. His remarks served as a reminder of the powerful role that cinema can play in shaping political discourse and challenging the status quo.

The Berlinale’s director, Tricia Tuttle, deftly steered the festival’s focus away from political divisions and towards the power of cinema and free expression. Tuttle emphasized the importance of preserving the space for films that speak truth to power, a sentiment that seemed particularly relevant given the backdrop of political uncertainty in Europe.

A Positive Close with Strong Audience Engagement

Despite some political tensions bubbling under the surface, the 75th Berlinale marked a significant success in terms of audience engagement. The festival sold 330,000 tickets, showing that there is still a strong appetite for cinema that pushes boundaries and sparks conversation. This year’s programming included films from a diverse range of countries and genres, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

The high attendance numbers also underscore the Berlinale’s status as one of the world’s leading film festivals. It continues to be a vital platform for filmmakers from around the globe, offering a space to showcase important, innovative works that would otherwise struggle to gain international recognition.

The Impact of Germany’s Election

As the political situation in Germany unfolds, there are questions about how the outcome of the general election may influence future editions of the Berlinale. The festival has always been a reflection of its time, and with political tensions running high across Europe, it will be interesting to see how future festivals respond to the changing political landscape.

For now, though, the 75th Berlinale has wrapped up on a positive note, with strong performances, powerful films, and a celebration of cinema’s ability to transcend borders and spark important conversations.

As Germany heads toward a new chapter in its political journey, the 2026 Berlinale could be shaped by the changes that unfold in the coming months. But for now, the festival remains an unmissable event for film lovers and a testament to the power of storytelling in all its forms.

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