Berlinale 2025

Cinema enthusiasts! Get ready for eleven days of a prestigious Film Festival and dive into the world of some of the best movies!

The Berlin International Film Festival began in 1951 with the aim of bridging East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This mission has shaped its reputation for showcasing films that address social and political issues.

Berlinale's top prizes are the Golden and Silver Bears. Bears are a unique symbol of Berlin and are featured on the city's coat of arms. The Golden Bear is awarded for the best film, while Silver Bears honor other achievements, such as best director, best actor, and best actress.

This unique Film Festival is in the same range as the Festival in Cannes or Venice Film Festival! It attracts over 300,000 attendees, meaning it's very open to the public.

The festival's main venue is the Berlinale Palast, located in Potsdamer Platz. This former theater-turned-film venue is a hub of cinematic activity each February.

Plan your trip to Berlin from February 13 to 23! Come see a programme of different movie genres, and enjoy the awards ceremony!

What to Expect When Attending Berlinale 2025

Expect a rich and interesting programme! Berlinale has a wide range of sections, including the Competition (for top awards), Panorama (highlighting independent and art-house films), and Generation (for children and young audiences). It also features the Berlinale Talents program, which nurtures emerging filmmakers and fosters the careers of international film talent. The overarching theme for the Berlinale Talents is the art of listening.

You'll be able to watch up to 400 movies, including feature-length films, short films, animated films, documentaries, and more!

Interestingly, a section called Culinary Cinema focuses on films about food, sustainability, and culinary culture. And that's not all! Films are often paired with unique dining experiences where chefs create menus inspired by the screenings! Awesome, right?

Expect to see many celebrities, from directors, cinematographers, actors, actresses, and more, walking down the red carpet!

If you're a film professional, the European Film Market, held along Berlinale, will offer networking opportunities! At this trade fair, you can make deals and discuss your future projects.

Berlin's weather in February can be pretty chilly, with average daytime highs around 4°C (39°F) and nighttime lows dropping to -1.3°C (29.7°F). Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear; rain or snowfall could be expected!

Tickets

Tickets are yet to be available, but be sure to check the event's official website often to find out the details as soon as they're highlighted.

If you want to send an application and submit your film, you must complete it and submit it online. You can do that here, but hurry up; the deadline is approaching!

Security Protocols

• Bag checks and screening: Attendees will go through bag checks and metal detector screening at the entrances.
• Prohibited items: Large bags and backpacks, outside food and drinks, and dangerous objects aren't allowed.
• Police and security personnel: Police officers and security staff will guide the crowd and ensure everyone's safety.
• CCTV cameras: Cameras are implemented to monitor the activities.
• Medical staff: Medical personnel are available at main venues to respond quickly to health-related incidents.

How to Get To or From the Event

Here are your best options to reach Potsdamer Platz and other venues:

• U-Bahn (Underground): The U2 line stops directly at Potsdamer Platz, the heart of the Berlinale. Other key venues are also accessible via nearby U-Bahn stations.
• S-Bahn (Suburban Train): Potsdamer Platz is served by the S1, S2, and S25 lines. Other popular festival venues, like Zoo Palast, are easily reachable on the S-Bahn network.
• Bus and Tram: Berlin’s extensive bus and tram network has frequent routes to festival locations. Buses M41 and M85, for instance, stop at Potsdamer Platz. Regular bus lines connect other venues and neighborhoods around Berlin.

Check the BVG website for the best route, schedules, and ticket prices.

Berlinale 2025 Bag Policy

Remember, you can't enter the venues with large bags or backpacks, but you can store them at the entrances of most venues, including the Berlinale Palast. It offers a cloakroom service where you can leave your belongings for a fee.

However, if you want to head to the festival without carrying your luggage, we can help!

Bounce is an online platform that offers a convenient solution for securely storing bags in various locations throughout the city you're visiting.

We partner with local businesses, with 13,000 locations for storing your luggage, in more than 2000 cities. Explore Berlin and choose a convenient location.

Bounce will do the rest!

Berlinale 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Luggage With Bounce and Join Other Cinephiles at the Exciting Berlinale

A Bounce partner will help you with your luggage!

The Bounce partner will find a perfect place for your bags at a trusted local business. For the price of only €3.00 per day, 24/7 support, and no cancellation fee, you can rest your head and enjoy the Berlin International Film Festival!

How to Stow Your Bag at Berlinale 2025 With Bounce

Store your luggage following these tips:

• Book: Contact a Bounce partner, pick a convenient spot, and pay online.
• Arrive at the location: Go to the agreed location with the confirmation and leave your luggage.
• Enjoy the Berlinale: Head to the Berlinale and enjoy all that it offers!

How to Make the Most Out of Berlinale 2025

• Explore different film sections: Don't stick to just one, but enjoy various types of films. Explore the main Competition section to Panorama, Generation, and Forum, focusing on experimental cinema!
• Attend special events: Q&A sessions with filmmakers and cast members will allow you to hear about the filmmaking process and ask questions. Some programs, like Berlinale Talents, also include masterclasses, discussions, and workshops with industry experts!
• Take time to explore Berlin: Wander through the streets of Berlin and visit the most popular places. A good idea would be to check out the FilmHaus at Potsdamer Platz and the German Film Archive, which film lovers can visit to deepen their understanding of German cinema.

This is your chance to step into a striking world of filmmaking! Visit Berlin and store your bags with the help of Bounce to fully enjoy Berlinale!