The 74th Berlinale took place from 15th to 25th February 2024. We have reported from Berlin with first-hand reviews and features of exciting moments. This short overview of the festival is one of many pieces in this series.
The Directors
© Alexander Janetzko / Berlinale 2019
This year marks the last edition of current artistic director Carlo Chatrian and executive director Mariette Rissenbeek. Considering they joined the festival only 6 years ago, their tenure is surprisingly short. In comparison, their predecessor Dieter Kosslick held this position for over 18 years. It was the first time for Berlinale to experiment with the dual director system.
Carlo is a passionate director with a true artistic vision. His curation has long been praised by the international press. The new energy and programming approach he introduced to the Berlinale celebrates voices often marginalised by major festivals, providing a platform for those who face challenges in gaining international recognition. Even if a large proportion of his tenure is during the pandemic, Berlinale only gets stronger and stronger.
One of the greatest gifts from Carlo to Berlinale is Encounters. This section, built from the ground by Carlo, serves as a complement to Competition. It has introduced works from some of the most innovative and talented filmmakers to the world. Previous editions include titles such as Orlando, My Political Biography by Paul B. Preciado, which was also selected at Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Such was the impact of Carlo’s leadership that upon news of his resignation, over 400 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, including luminaries like Radu Jude, Hong Sangsoo, Olivier Assayas, and Ryusuke Hamaguchi, penned an open letter urging the ministry to reconsider. This overwhelming support serves as a testament to Carlo’s vision for Berlinale: one that champions openness, respect, bravery, and the nurturing of innovative and independent filmmaking and storytelling. We hope that this commitment to experimental filmmaking will endure beyond his departure.
However, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be anything to look forward to in the future. Taking their place will be Tricia Tuttle, a familiar name to UK festivalgoers. Having served as the director of the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) from 2019 to 2022, she successfully fostered a blend of inclusive curation reflecting diverse preferences, resulting in a notable increase in both attendance and profits. It will be intriguing to witness the fresh perspectives and innovations she introduces to the Berlinale.
The Curation
© Alexander Janetzko / Berlinale 2017
For his last edition at the Berlinale, Carlo didn’t just give it up. He and his team go full force for this year’s selection, just like what they used to do.
This year’s competition showcases a blend of both seasoned and emerging voices. Renowned masters like Bruno Dumont, Olivier Assayas, and Hong Sang-soo present their latest works at the Berlinale, where they will face direct competition from newcomers including Meryam Joobeur and Margherita Vicario with their debut features.
Honorary Golden Bears
Mariëtte Rissenbeek, Martin Scorsese, laudator Wim Wenders and Carlo Chatrian
© Richard Hübner / Berlinale 2024
The one and only Martin Scorsese is this year’s recipient of the Honorary Golden Bears. His contribution to world cinema needs no introduction. However, funny enough, the Golden Bear was presented before a screening of his Oscar winning film The Departed, instead of his films from the New Hollywood era which makes him the Scorsese. Maybe the Oscar remains the most impactful film award after all, despite the Academy’s reputation for bad decision making.
A Political Berlinale
© Richard Hübner / Berlinale 2024
Right before its opening, Berlinale was put in a difficult position as several members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party were invited to the opening of the Berlinale on February 15. Invitations were withdrawn in the end. Yet it also means that the influence of culture bureaucracy over Berlinale will never go away with the ongoing change in European political discourse.
In addition, the Iran director/writer duo Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, whose film My Favourite Cake is the frontrunner for Golden Bear this year, was banned by the Iran government from travelling to Berlin and attending the premiere of their own film. Capturing the life experiences of elderly women in Iran, the film has garnered praise from critics.
What to Expect Next
Following this year’s Berlinale, first-hand full-length reviews as well as capsule reviews will be published. Additionally, we’ll delve into discussions about the award-winning films following the award ceremony and summarise this year’s Berlinale.
Images provided via Berlin International Film Festival Press Release.
