Generation Regulations

Generation with the two competition programmes Kplus and 14plus presents a comprehensive programme of contemporary films exploring the lives and worlds of children and teenagers.

1. Eligibility

Eligible for Generation 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 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 country of origin.
• have not been presented publicly in Germany. German films applying for Generation 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 TV nor presented on the internet/VOD.
• were completed within the 12 months prior to the start of the festival.
• 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

The Festival Director and the head of Generation invite films to participate in Generation. The section head decides in which of the two competitive strands of the section a selected film will be programmed.

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 are screened 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. A second version with bilingual subtitles in German and English or with German subtitles would be appreciated but is not obligatory.

Generation Kplus films 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 this competition.