Director, writer and photographer Wim Wenders is among the most significant representatives of New German Cinema and has been a global presence since the 1970s. His work has inspired generations of filmmakers and captivated audiences worldwide. With his early films such as The Goalkeeper’s Fear of the Penalty (1972), Alice in the Cities (1974), and The American Friend (1977), he shaped a new cinematic language and redefined the image of German film. He was a founding member of the German Film Academy and co‑founded the European Film Academy, serving as its president for more than two decades. With Paris, Texas (Cannes Palme d’Or Winner 1984), Wings of Desire (1987), Until the End of the World (1991), and Buena Vista Social Club (1999 — European Film Award for Best Documentary, Oscar nomination in 2000), Wim Wenders created milestones of international cinema. His adventurousness in exploring new cinematic expressions — as seen in the 3D dance film Pina, which premiered in the Berlinale Competition in 2011 and won Best Documentary at the German Film Awards — underscores his distinctive style and insatiable artistic curiosity. Most recently Wenders impressed audiences and critics with Perfect Days (2023) which earned an Oscar nomination, and with the 3D documentary Anselm (2023) about artist Anselm Kiefer. Wenders has long been closely connected to the Berlinale: In addition to Pina, The Million Dollar Hotel (Opening Film 2000), and the 3D feature Every Thing Will Be Fine (2015), he has presented numerous works in the festival programme. In 2015, he was honoured with the Berlinale’s Honorary Golden Bear.
