Generation Regulations

Generation showcases contemporary films that explore the lives and realities of children and teenagers. The section comprises the two feature‑length competitions Kplus und 14plus, along with the non‑competitive programme Generation Premieres. It is complemented by the equally non‑competitive short film programme Generation Shorts.

1. Eligibility

Eligible for Generation Kplus, Generation 14plus as well as Generation Shorts are fiction feature films, documentaries, animation or experimental films, which

• are either feature-length films of at least 60 minutes running time or short films with a maximum running time of 20 minutes.
• are available as world, international or European premieres. Submitted films must not have been presented publicly in Europe outside their country of origin, participated in any European film festival outside of their country of origin, or have been theatrically released in Europe outside their country of origin. World premieres are given priority (see General Information on Premiere Status). 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 country of origin.
• have not been presented publicly in Germany. Accordingly, German films may have been presented publicly outside of Europe but must not yet have been publicly exhibited anywhere in Europe including their country of origin, Germany.
• have neither been broadcast on TV nor presented on the internet/VOD.
• were completed within the 12 months prior to the start of the festival.
• have never been submitted to the Berlinale for selection.

It is not possible to submit films for the curated programme Generation Premieres.

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

The Festival Director and the head of Generation invite films to participate in Generation. They are supported by an international group of programme advisors and experts.

The section head decides in which programme strand of the section a selected film will be presented in collaboration with the Co-Directors of Film Programming and the Festival Director.

The selected feature‑length films in the Kplus and 14plus competitions each compete for a Crystal Bear for Best Film. The awards are presented by two juries, one for Generation Kplus, and another for Generation 14plus.

3. Format, Language Version and Subtitles

All films invited to participate in Generation must be made available in the formats DCP or QuickTime ProRes – 35mm or other formats only upon request.  

The films will be presented in their original version with English subtitles. The version (to be) 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 subtitled version on time.

To improve the festival’s accessibility services, an additional version with German subtitles and/or an HI/SDH version with open captions in German or English is desirable but not mandatory.

Generation Kplus films as well as short film programmes for the youngest audiences will be presented with an additional German voice-over performed by professional speakers. For this reason, a complete dialogue list in the original language must be supplied for every film invited to these programmes.