The 2025 Berlin Film Festival has announced its Golden Bear competition line-up, showcasing an eclectic mix of films from around the world. With 19 entries, this year’s selection includes high-profile returns, political documentaries, and genre-bending narratives, making it one of the most anticipated editions of the festival.
Among the notable films is Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, a biopic about Broadway composer Lorenz Hart, one half of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart. Featuring an all-star cast including Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, and Andrew Scott, the film marks Linklater’s first return to the festival in over a decade.
The line-up also welcomes back acclaimed filmmakers such as Radu Jude, presenting his dark comedy Kontinental ’25, and Hong Sang-soo, who returns with the family-themed dramedy What Does That Nature Say to You.
Spy film lovers can look forward to Helene Cattet and Bruno Forzani’s Reflection in a Dead Diamond, a visually striking tribute to 1960s espionage thrillers. Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain stars in Dreams, a story about an heiress who falls for a Mexican ballet dancer. Another buzzworthy entry, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, explores a child’s mysterious illness, featuring an unexpected ensemble cast including Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, and rapper ASAP Rocky.
On the political front, Timestamp, directed by Kateryna Gornostai, offers a poignant documentary about young people living in Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s 2022 invasion. The film stands out as one of the festival’s most socially relevant entries, shining a light on the resilience and struggles of a war-torn generation.
As one of the world’s most influential film festivals, Berlin’s 75th edition promises to be a dynamic mix of cinematic artistry, cultural commentary, and experimental storytelling. With filmmakers from over 150 countries gathering for the event, the festival continues to serve as a vital hub for global cinema.
With such a diverse and ambitious line-up, the 2025 Berlin Film Festival is set to captivate audiences, offering a rich blend of drama, history, and spectacle in one of Europe’s most celebrated cultural events.
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