Forum Regulations
1. Eligibility
Eligible for Forum are fiction feature films, documentaries, animation or experimental films celebrating their world, international or European premiere which
- are of at least 60 minutes running time.
- are available as world or international or European premieres. World premieres are prioritised (see General Information on Premiere Status).
- have neither participated at any European film festival outside of their country of origin nor have been released theatrically or presented publicly in Europe outside of their country of origin. The film’s country of origin is determined by the registered office address of the production company. In case of international co-productions the main country of production will be considered as the country of origin.
- have not been presented publicly in Germany. German films applying for Forum need to be a European premiere as minimum requirement and may not have been presented publicly in Germany (festival, theatrical release, etc.).
- 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 to the Berlinale.
For all applications, the General Guidelines for Film Submission and Participation apply. The head of the Forum section reserves the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.
There is no open submission process for Forum Expanded. For more information please contact .
2. Selection and Programming
The head of Forum invites films to participate in Forum. The section head is advised by an international selection team.
3. Format, Language Version and Subtitles
All films invited to participate in Forum must be made available in the formats DCP or QuickTime ProRes – 35mm or other formats only upon request..
The films are screened in their original version with English subtitles. The original version is the version (to be) shown in the country of origin. A second version with bilingual subtitles in German and English or with German subtitles would be appreciated but is not obligatory.