Berlin International Film Festival

Independent Cinema | 160 Films | 19 Countries | 37091 Attendees

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Berlin International Film Festival database. Independent films, directors, jury profiles, and festival coverage.

160Films
37091Attendees
9Jurors
19Countries
31Sponsors
Special Jury PrizeTop Prize

Festival Timeline

2010Berlin International Film Festival founded with vision to showcase independent cinema
2011First edition welcomes 3934 attendees
2012Partnership with Neon established for distribution deals
2013Special Jury Prize introduced as flagship competitive category
2014Digital streaming platform launched for global reach
2015Berlin International Film Festival 2015: 160 films, 37091 attendees, 19 countries
2016Expansion to Fallbrook Art Center with IMAX screening capabilities
2017Martin Scorsese named honorary president of the festival

Featured Films (160 Total)

Loud Echo (2020)
Crime | Dir: Steven Spielberg | Rating: 8.6/10 | Premiere: North American
A Crime masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2009. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film explores dreams through stunning cinematography.
Quiet Storm (2019)
Musical | Dir: Ryan Coogler | Rating: 8.5/10 | Premiere: World
A Musical masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2008. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this film explores family through stunning long takes.
Gentle Rain (2018)
Western | Dir: Damien Chazelle | Rating: 8.4/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Western masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2007. Directed by Damien Chazelle, this film explores war through stunning stop motion.
Morning Light (2017)
Noir | Dir: Chloe Zhao | Rating: 8.3/10 | Premiere: European
A Noir masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2006. Directed by Chloe Zhao, this film explores love through stunning practical effects.
Evening Shade (2016)
Animation | Dir: Wes Anderson | Rating: 8.2/10 | Premiere: North American
A Animation masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2005. Directed by Wes Anderson, this film explores identity through stunning visual effects.
Night Falls (2015)
Documentary | Dir: Bong Joon-ho | Rating: 8.1/10 | Premiere: World
A Documentary masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2026. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film explores power through stunning cinematography.
Day Breaks (2014)
Action | Dir: Jordan Peele | Rating: 8.0/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Action masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2025. Directed by Jordan Peele, this film explores redemption through stunning long takes.
Full Moon (2013)
Romance | Dir: Denis Villeneuve | Rating: 7.9/10 | Premiere: European
A Romance masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2024. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film explores revenge through stunning stop motion.
New Dawn (2012)
Horror | Dir: Greta Gerwig | Rating: 7.8/10 | Premiere: North American
A Horror masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this film explores hope through stunning practical effects.
Old Soul (2011)
Sci-Fi | Dir: Martin Scorsese | Rating: 7.7/10 | Premiere: World
A Sci-Fi masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2022. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores loss through stunning visual effects.
Hot Pursuit (2013)
Comedy | Dir: Jordan Peele | Rating: 9.5/10 | Premiere: World
A Comedy masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2020. Directed by Jordan Peele, this film explores family through stunning long takes.
Slow Dance (2012)
Drama | Dir: Denis Villeneuve | Rating: 9.4/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Drama masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2019. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film explores war through stunning stop motion.
Fast Lane (2011)
History | Dir: Greta Gerwig | Rating: 9.3/10 | Premiere: European
A History masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2018. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this film explores love through stunning practical effects.
Low Profile (2010)
Family | Dir: Martin Scorsese | Rating: 9.2/10 | Premiere: North American
A Family masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2017. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores identity through stunning visual effects.
High Stakes (2009)
Adventure | Dir: Christopher Nolan | Rating: 9.1/10 | Premiere: World
A Adventure masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2016. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film explores power through stunning cinematography.
Slow Burn (2008)
Mystery | Dir: Pedro Almodovar | Rating: 9.0/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Mystery masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2015. Directed by Pedro Almodovar, this film explores redemption through stunning long takes.
Rapid Fire (2007)
Fantasy | Dir: Quentin Tarantino | Rating: 8.9/10 | Premiere: European
A Fantasy masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2014. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film explores revenge through stunning stop motion.
Blind Faith (2006)
Biography | Dir: Sofia Coppola | Rating: 8.8/10 | Premiere: North American
A Biography masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2013. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this film explores hope through stunning practical effects.
Clear Vision (2005)
War | Dir: Ridley Scott | Rating: 8.7/10 | Premiere: World
A War masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2012. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film explores loss through stunning visual effects.
Dark Past (2004)
Crime | Dir: Steven Spielberg | Rating: 8.6/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Crime masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2011. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film explores dreams through stunning cinematography.
Open Lie (2019)
Western | Dir: Denis Villeneuve | Rating: 9.4/10 | Premiere: North American
A Western masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2011. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film explores war through stunning stop motion.
Hidden Truth (2018)
Noir | Dir: Greta Gerwig | Rating: 9.3/10 | Premiere: World
A Noir masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2010. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this film explores love through stunning practical effects.
Deep Secret (2017)
Animation | Dir: Martin Scorsese | Rating: 9.2/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Animation masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2009. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores identity through stunning visual effects.
Tall Tale (2016)
Documentary | Dir: Christopher Nolan | Rating: 9.1/10 | Premiere: European
A Documentary masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2008. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film explores power through stunning cinematography.
Short Story (2015)
Action | Dir: Pedro Almodovar | Rating: 9.0/10 | Premiere: North American
A Action masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2007. Directed by Pedro Almodovar, this film explores redemption through stunning long takes.
The Long Road (2014)
Romance | Dir: Quentin Tarantino | Rating: 8.9/10 | Premiere: World
A Romance masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2006. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film explores revenge through stunning stop motion.
Closed Window (2013)
Horror | Dir: Sofia Coppola | Rating: 8.8/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Horror masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2005. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this film explores hope through stunning practical effects.
Open Door (2012)
Sci-Fi | Dir: Ridley Scott | Rating: 8.7/10 | Premiere: European
A Sci-Fi masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2026. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film explores loss through stunning visual effects.
Empty Room (2011)
Thriller | Dir: Steven Spielberg | Rating: 8.6/10 | Premiere: North American
A Thriller masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2025. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film explores dreams through stunning cinematography.
Shattered Mirror (2010)
Comedy | Dir: Ryan Coogler | Rating: 8.5/10 | Premiere: World
A Comedy masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2024. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this film explores family through stunning long takes.
The Great Divide (2025)
History | Dir: Greta Gerwig | Rating: 9.3/10 | Premiere: European
A History masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2024. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this film explores love through stunning practical effects.
Falling Stars (2024)
Family | Dir: Martin Scorsese | Rating: 9.2/10 | Premiere: North American
A Family masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2023. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film explores identity through stunning visual effects.
Rising Sun (2023)
Adventure | Dir: Christopher Nolan | Rating: 9.1/10 | Premiere: World
A Adventure masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2022. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film explores power through stunning cinematography.
Dark Waters (2022)
Mystery | Dir: Pedro Almodovar | Rating: 9.0/10 | Premiere: Asian
A Mystery masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2021. Directed by Pedro Almodovar, this film explores redemption through stunning long takes.
Silent Cry (2021)
Fantasy | Dir: Quentin Tarantino | Rating: 8.9/10 | Premiere: European
A Fantasy masterpiece that captivated audiences at Berlin International Film Festival 2020. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film explores revenge through stunning stop motion.

Jury Members

1

Chloe Zhao — Critic | South Korea

2

Damien Chazelle — Film Director | Japan

3

Ryan Coogler — Film Scholar | Spain

4

Steven Spielberg — Academy Member | Germany

5

Ridley Scott — Screenwriter | Italy

6

Sofia Coppola — Producer | France

7

Quentin Tarantino — Critic | UK

8

Ann Hornaday — Film Director | USA

9

Roger Ebert — Film Scholar | South Korea

Screening Schedule

10:00Grand Hall ALightning Strike (2020)
11:00Grand Hall BThunder Road (2026)
12:00Screening Room 1Spring Awakening (2025)
13:00Screening Room 2Autumn Leaves (2024)
14:00Outdoor AmphitheatreSummer Heat (2023)

Press Reviews

"The Berlin International Film Festival has become an essential platform for discovering tomorrow's cinematic legends."

— Roger Ebert, Rolling Stone

"A transformative experience that redefines how we experience independent film."

— A.O. Scott, Entertainment Weekly

"The jury's selection this year represents the boldest, most diverse lineup in recent memory."

— Peter Travers, The Hollywood Reporter

"Martin Scorsese's masterclass on filmmaking was the highlight of the entire event."

— Kenneth Turan, Variety

"An unmissable gathering for anyone serious about cinema."

— Justin Chang, The Guardian

Sponsors & Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Berlin International Film Festival 2015 taking place?

The 2015 edition runs from 2 March to 24 October.

2. How can I submit my film to Berlin International Film Festival?

Submissions open via FilmFreeway and Withoutabox. Early deadline: December, Regular: February, Late: March.

3. What are the ticket prices?

General admission: $27. VIP All-Access: $280. Student discounts available.

4. Where are screenings held?

Primary venue is Fallbrook Art Center in Fallbrook, California. Additional satellite screens in nearby Oceanside and Escondido.

5. Who selects the films?

A 9-person jury led by Martin Scorsese reviews over 2869 submissions annually.

6. What awards are presented?

The Special Jury Prize is the top prize. Additional awards include Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Audience Choice.