Berlin International Film Festival Announces First Gala Screenings for 2025 Edition
The Berlin International Film Festival has unveiled its first slate of gala screenings for the upcoming 2025 edition, set to run from February 13 to 23, 2025. Among the highlights is Islands, a new thriller from German director Jan-Ole Gerster. The film stars British actor Sam Riley as a former tennis prodigy who now works as a tennis coach at a resort island, spending his days drinking and engaging in fleeting affairs. The cast also features Stacy Martin, Jack Farthing, and Dylan Torrell, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Another standout feature is Koln 75, directed by Ido Fluk, which tells the true story of Vera Brandes, a teenage impresario of the 1970s Cologne music scene. Brandes risked everything to organize Keith Jarrett’s legendary Koln Concert, often considered the finest solo concert in music history. The film stars Mala Emde as Brandes, alongside John Magaro, Michael Chernus, and Alexander Scheer.
In addition, Honey Bunch, a Canadian film directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, takes place in an experimental trauma clinic located in the wilderness. Here, a woman begins to uncover chilling secrets about her marriage. The film stars Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie, a real-life couple, along with Kate Dickie, Jason Isaacs, and India Brown.
For the third time, the 75th edition of the Berlinale will open with a film by acclaimed German director Tom Tykwer, famous for works like Run Lola Run and Cloud Atlas. His latest project, Das Licht (The Light), will screen as part of the festival’s out-of-competition lineup.
In a notable shift, Tricia Tuttle, former director of the London Film Festival, will take the reins as the new head of the Berlinale. Tuttle, who was known for her strong ties with U.S. studios in London, is expected to increase the star presence at the festival, which has been a point of emphasis for many since the tenure of previous co-directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek. The 75th Berlinale is now set to deliver an exciting mix of world premieres and star power.
