The Berlinale is set to showcase its upcoming edition, scheduled to take place between February 16 and February 26. In a move to honor the victims of war and oppression while reaffirming democratic values, the festival places the Ukraine crisis and the brave protests in Iran in a broader political and humanitarian context. This year’s event marks the launch of a new award for the best series.
“Film festivals reinforce freedom of expression, artistic freedom and peaceful dialogue,” stated the festival’s co-directors, Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
They added that, amid ongoing acts of aggression against Ukraine and the persistent courage of protesters and liberation movements in Iran, Berlinale 2023 will especially uphold democratic values and remember the human toll of war and oppression around the world.
Rissenbeek and Chatrian emphasized that Berlinale remains a festival for the public, offering a diverse range of participation, shared cinematic experiences, and spaces for artistic reflection. It will once again serve as a clear signal of film culture in 2023.
Additionally, the festival leadership announced the creation of the Berlinale Series award for the best production in this genre. In collaboration with the American trade publication Deadline, the award will be decided by a three-person jury.
“Movies are increasingly multi-platform,” the organizers noted. The Berlinale was among the first festivals to present series as a collective on the big screen. Through the Deadline partnership, the festival aims to push the format further and give it broader recognition.
The award is described as the first of its kind at a world-class festival and is expected to elevate artistic value in a way that leaves a lasting imprint on storytelling.
In light of recent events, the Berlinale faces the moment with renewed focus after two years impacted by the pandemic.