Competition Regulations

1. Eligibility

Eligible for Competition are fiction feature films, documentaries, animation and experimental films which

• are of at least 60 minutes running time.
• are available as world or international premieres. World premieres are prioritised (see General Information on Premiere Status).
• have neither participated at any international film festival outside of their country of origin nor have been released theatrically or presented publicly outside of their country of origin. A film’s country of origin is determined by the location of the production company’s headquarters. In the case of international co-productions, the country of the main producer is considered to be the country of origin.
• have not been presented publicly in Germany. German films must be world premieres to be eligible for Competition.
• have neither been broadcast on television nor presented on the internet/VOD.
• were completed within the 12 months prior to the start of the festival.
• are intended for theatrical release.
• have never been submitted for selection at the Berlinale.

For all applications, the General Guidelines for Film Submission and Participation apply. The Festival Director reserves the right to decide on any eventuality not foreseen in these guidelines.

2. Selection and Programming

Films selected to participate in Competition are invited by the Festival Director together with the Co-Directors of Programming. They are advised by an international selection committee.

3. Format, Language Version and Subtitles

All films invited to participate in the Berlinale Competition must be presented in DCP or QuickTime ProRes format. A screening in 35mm or other formats is only possible after consultation with the festival.

The films are screened in their original language with German and English subtitles. The version released in the country of origin is regarded as the original version. The film’s producer is responsible for meeting the costs of subtitling and providing the bilingually subtitled version on time.