The Berlin International Film Festival announced its most ambitious program yet for its 75th edition, featuring new films from acclaimed directors Richard Linklater and Michel Franco among 20 world premieres.
Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” starring Ethan Hawke, and Franco’s “Dreams,” featuring Jessica Chastain, lead the competition lineup that spans 26 countries. The announcement marks a fresh start under new artistic director Tricia Tuttle, who takes over from Carlo Chatrian.
“Blue Moon,” already picked up by Sony Pictures Classics, tells the story of famous songwriter Lorenz Hart’s final days. The film features a strong cast including Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott alongside Hawke.
In “Dreams,” Franco teams up again with Chastain after their 2023 film “Memory.” The story follows a Mexican ballet dancer (Isaac Hernández) who forms a relationship with a wealthy patron played by Chastain.
“We want to get people talking about the vibrancy of film as an art form,” Tuttle said at the lineup announcement. She previously led the BFI London Film Festival through a period of growth and aims to bring similar success to Berlin while keeping the festival’s political awareness intact.
The festival introduces a new section called Perspectives, featuring 14 first-time filmmakers from countries including India, Mexico, Taiwan, and Egypt. This addition shows the festival’s commitment to discovering new talent.
Notable debuts in the main competition include “Hot Milk” by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, known for writing “She Said.” The film stars Emma Mackey, Fiona Shaw, and Vicky Krieps. Two Chinese films, “Girls on Wire” by Vivian Qu and “Living the Land” by Huo Meng, will also premiere.
The Berlinale Special program will screen James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan. Actor Tilda Swinton will receive an Honorary Golden Bear, with a showing of the 1987 film “Friendship’s Death” to mark the occasion.
Tuttle addressed recent free speech concerns, saying the festival maintains open discussions with filmmakers from Arab countries while protecting artistic freedom. The competition shows strong diversity, with eight films directed or co-directed by women.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Todd Haynes will lead the festival jury, adding to the event’s prestige as it enters its 75th year.
The program ranges from personal dramas to dark comedies, reflecting what Tuttle calls “singular works” from top filmmakers. This variety suggests a promising new chapter for one of the world’s leading film festivals.
