The 76th International Berlin Film Festival begins in the German capital on Thursday, with the jury this year headed by German director Wim Wenders, reports LETA citing DPA and AFP.
The 80-year-old director is considered one of the leading figures of the New German Cinema (Neuer Deutscher Film), who has significantly influenced international cinema over his 60-year career.
German Culture Minister Wolfang Weimer noted that the 76th festival will confirm that "scripts, cameras, and screens are not only tools of art but also weapons in the fight for freedom and human dignity."
"We must not allow despots in Tehran or Caracas to win," the minister emphasized.
The festival will open with the film "No Good Men" by Afghan director Sharbana Sadat, which tells the story of a young woman in Kabul working as a cinematographer. Sadat left Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power in 2021 and now lives in Hamburg.
At the opening ceremony, actress Michelle Yeoh will receive the honorary award "Golden Bear" for her contribution to cinema, having won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2023 for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
The 76th International Berlin Film Festival will run until February 22, showcasing over 200 films, of which 22 will compete for the festival's top prize — the "Golden Bear." Last year, this prestigious award was given to the film "Dreams" by Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud.
