The 2021 Berlinale: A Festival in Two Stages

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Berlinale has developed a new festival format for its 71st edition and is delighted to thus be able to hold the festival for both the industry and the general public.

From March 1 to 5, 2021, the 71st Berlinale is being launched with an Industry Event (European Film Market, Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and Word Cinema Fund) for film professionals and accredited representatives of the press. All Industry Event activities will take place online.
Information on Participating in the Industry Event
Selected events from Berlinale Talents (talks and live workshops) and the World Cinema Fund (WCF Day) will be accessible online to the general public.

From June 9 to 20, 2021, the Summer Special will give the general public the opportunity to see the majority of the 2021 selected films in Berlin cinemas in the presence of the filmmakers. The opening of the Summer Special will be celebrated with a gala event on June 9.

The 71st Berlinale Film Selection and Programme

A majority of the 2021 Film Selection will be available for viewing online by film professionals and accredited members of the press during the Industry Event.

A detailed programme for the Summer Special, which will include the majority of the selected films, will be published in good time in the run-up to the event in June.

Juries and Awards

In 2021, the International Jury comprises six directors who have previously won a Golden Bear. They will watch the Competition films on the big screen in Berlin and decide who will win the Bears.

International Juries will also determine the prize winners in the Berlinale Shorts, Encounters and Generation competitions.

The award decisions will be announced via a video presentation of the juries:

  • Thursday, March 4 at 12 noon (CET): Berlinale Shorts & Generation
  • Friday, March 5 at 12.00 noon (CET): Competition & Encounters

The Award Ceremony will then be held in front of a live audience during the Summer Special in June.