zeit.de
Berlinale 2024: New Focus Amidst Political and Artistic Challenges
The 75th Berlinale, running February 13-23 in Berlin, will open with Tom Tykwer's "Das Licht," honor Tilda Swinton, and feature a new section ("Perspectives") for international debuts, while facing challenges from a politically charged climate and the fallout from last year's controversial closing gala.
- What are the most significant changes in the Berlinale's program and how will these affect its overall image and audience?
- The 75th Berlinale, running February 13-23, will feature a new section, "Perspectives," focusing on international directorial debuts, while dropping the "Encounters" section. The festival will open with Tom Tykwer's "Das Licht" and honor Tilda Swinton with the Golden Honorary Bear. Ticket prices remain largely unchanged, except for a €2 increase for premieres in the Berlinale Palast.
- How will the Berlinale balance its commitment to political engagement with the need to avoid controversies, particularly given the timing of the festival and Germany's political climate?
- Balancing its international scope with a focus on German cinema, the Berlinale faces the challenge of navigating political sensitivities during Germany's election campaign. The festival's handling of the previous year's controversial closing gala, which sparked accusations of antisemitism, and its decision to exclude AfD politicians from the opening gala, will continue to shape its approach to political engagement. The inclusion of the Bob Dylan biopic, "Like A Complete Unknown," starring Timothée Chalamet, is yet unconfirmed.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the decisions made regarding the closing gala controversy and the exclusion of AfD politicians, and how might these affect the festival's future?
- The Berlinale's success will depend on its ability to manage the competing demands of artistic expression, political engagement, and audience expectations. The festival's decisions regarding programming, guest invitations, and security measures will determine its ability to maintain its reputation as a politically significant event while navigating potential controversies. The success of the "Perspectives" section, along with the response to the opening film and Tilda Swinton's award, will indicate its ability to evolve and remain relevant.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the upcoming Berlinale through a lens of anticipation and excitement, emphasizing the potential return of stars like Timothée Chalamet and highlighting the festival's anniversary. While the controversies are mentioned, the overall tone leans towards positive anticipation, potentially downplaying the significance of the political challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While words like "umstritten" (controversial) and "heiße Phase" (hot phase) are used, they are descriptive and do not carry strong negative connotations. There are no overtly loaded terms or subjective judgments.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the upcoming Berlinale festival, its stars, and its organizational aspects, potentially omitting other relevant news or discussions about the German political climate beyond its immediate impact on the festival. The article mentions the controversy surrounding the closing gala and the exclusion of AfD politicians, but doesn't delve deeply into the broader political context or other political events coinciding with the festival. This omission might not be intentional, but could create an unbalanced picture.
False Dichotomy
The article implies a potential dichotomy between the focus on films/stars and politics at the Berlinale, suggesting that one aspect might overshadow the other. However, the reality is likely more nuanced, with both aspects coexisting and potentially influencing each other. This is not explicitly explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Berlinale, known as the most political of major film festivals, is navigating a complex political landscape, including addressing controversies surrounding the exclusion of AfD politicians from the opening gala due to their discriminatory views, and ensuring the safety and security of participants amid heightened tensions related to the Gaza conflict. The festival's commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to create a safe environment for artists contribute to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions.