Running until February 22, the festival features over 200 films from more than 80 countries, with 22 competing for the coveted Golden Bear. The line-up includes ‘Lali’ that will debute the country in the prestigious international films fair.
Festival director Tricia Tuttle said the programme reflects “where international cinema is right now,” highlighting recurring themes of family and intimacy under pressure, questions of care, belonging, and the experience of living between worlds.
“Many of the films explore how private lives are shaped by larger political and social forces,” she noted, underscoring Berlin’s enduring reputation as a festival that favours art house and politically charged cinema.
The opening film, Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat’s ‘No Good Men’, is set in Kabul in 2021 during the US troop withdrawal. Focusing on Afghan women’s experiences, the film addresses a subject rarely depicted internationally.
Sadat, who fled Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover, described the selection as “a chance to address the situation of women in Afghanistan, even if briefly.”
While a handful of stars appear — Juliette Binoche, Channing Tatum, Riley Keough, Elle Fanning, and Callum Turner — the festival prioritises cinephiles over mainstream audiences.
Women directors are prominent, with nine of 22 competition films helmed by women, surpassing Cannes and Venice in proportion. European co-productions, such as Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’, supported by Norway, Denmark, France, and Germany, further emphasise the collaborative nature of contemporary cinema.
Streaming giants remain relatively absent, with only Netflix’s ‘Un hijo proprio’ appearing in the Special Presentation section, reflecting Berlin’s focus on theatrical exhibition and auteur-driven work.
Amid this global spotlight, Berlin will also host a historic milestone for Pakistani cinema. Italian sales company Luminalia has secured world sales rights to ‘Lali’, the first all-Pakistani production selected for the festival.
Directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and co-written with Sundus Hashmi, the film will premiere in the Panorama section on February 19. Luminalia, launched in 2025 to champion cinema from underrepresented countries, saw ‘Lali’ as a perfect fit for its mission.
“From the outset, Tommaso and Luminalia understood this, and we value the focus and discernment they bring to the film’s international release,” said producer Kanwal Khoosat.
‘Lali’ is set in the shanty towns of Sahiwal and follows newlyweds Zeba and Sajawal. Zeba, whose previous three suitors died under mysterious circumstances, navigates life with a feisty mother-in-law and a quiet, wise neighbour.
Sajawal, increasingly haunted by paranoia, struggles to reconcile love with fear. Mamya Shajaffar and Channan Hanif lead the cast, supported by Rasti Farooq, Farazeh Syed, and Mehr Bano. Khoosat, known for Busan 2019 award-winner ‘Circus of Life’ and producing Cannes 2022 jury prize winner ‘Joyland’, brings a nuanced vision that mixes dark comedy with social commentary.
Berlin’s timing early in the year has made it a key gauge for the independent film industry. Around 12,000 industry participants from 140 countries attend the festival and the European Film Market, combining public screenings with opportunities to test films’ commercial potential.
Last year, ticket sales reached a record 336,000, and youth tickets priced at six euros this year are expected to further boost attendance.
Beyond competition, the festival will honour Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh with a lifetime achievement award, balancing recognition of cinematic excellence with a showcase of politically resonant and culturally diverse storytelling.
Critics note that the 2026 edition is both a platform for emerging voices and a reaffirmation of Berlin’s identity as a festival that celebrates daring, socially engaged cinema.
As ‘Lali’ prepares for its world premiere, it carries the hopes of Pakistan’s film industry onto the international stage, aligning with Berlin’s ethos of inclusivity, cultural exchange, and cinematic exploration.
In the heart of Europe’s capital, the stories of Sahiwal and Kabul sit side by side with global narratives, illustrating the festival’s enduring commitment to discovery, innovation, and the power of film to illuminate lives across borders.