The Berlin Film Festival has announced the first gala screenings for its highly anticipated 75th edition, scheduled to take place from February 13 to 23, 2025.
Among the highlights is Islands, the latest feature by acclaimed German director Jan-Ole Gerster. The thriller stars Sam Riley as a former tennis prodigy turned coach, now spending his days on a resort island consumed by alcohol and fleeting affairs. Co-starring Stacy Martin, Jack Farthing, and Dylan Torrell, Islands promises to deliver a gripping narrative and nuanced performances.
Another standout is Koln 75, directed by Ido Fluk, which recounts the true story of Vera Brandes, a key figure in Cologne’s 1970s music scene. Brandes famously risked everything to organize Keith Jarrett’s legendary Koln Concert, often celebrated as one of the greatest solo performances in music history. Mala Emde leads the cast, alongside John Magaro, Michael Chernus, and Alexander Scheer.
The Canadian psychological drama Honey Bunch, helmed by directors Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, is another much-anticipated title. Set in a remote trauma clinic, the film unravels a woman’s disturbing discoveries about her marriage. Real-life couple Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie star in the film, joined by Kate Dickie, Jason Isaacs, and India Brown.
Notably, the 75th Berlinale will open with the world premiere of Das Licht (The Light), a new feature by celebrated German director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, Cloud Atlas). Tykwer, returning to Berlinale for the third time, will screen his film out of competition.
This year also marks the debut of Tricia Tuttle as the festival’s new director. Tuttle, formerly at the helm of the London Film Festival, succeeds co-directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek. Known for her strong connections with U.S. studios and a knack for attracting star-studded premieres, Tuttle is expected to reinvigorate the Berlinale’s celebrity quotient.
The 2025 Berlinale promises a rich lineup of global cinema, star power, and powerful storytelling as it celebrates 75 years of cinematic excellence.