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Berlinale 2025: Film university alumni and exciting debuts in the spotlight!
Find out how UNI Babelsberg is participating in the Berlinale 2025, with alumni films and innovative projects from Arkanum Pictures.
Berlinale 2025: Film university alumni and exciting debuts in the spotlight!
The 2025 Berlinale is just around the corner and promises to make the celebration an exciting milestone in the history of the renowned film festival. From February 13th to 23rd, 2025, Berlin will be the venue for cinematic creations and innovations. This 75th edition will take place under the direction of Tricia Tuttle, who directs the fortunes of the festival. The Babelsberg Konrad Wolf Film University has established itself as a significant player in this edition of the festival by presenting a number of films involving alumni and current students.
In the Panorama section, the final film **SCHWESTERHERZ**, produced by the newly founded film production company, will be shown Arkanum Pictures, to be seen. This young company, founded by film university graduates, specializes in combining traditional film craft with modern approaches. Arkanum Pictures has already made a name for itself by receiving funding from the Start Office in 2024 and is focused on distributing stories globally.
Film university and their talents
The Berlinale 2025 will not only celebrate film art, but also the talents of the film university. Eight alumni were selected to be part of the Berlinale Talents and are taking part under the motto “Listen Courageously – Cinematic Narratives in Times of Dissonance”. The selected filmmakers include Juliano Castro, Jan Gadermann and Mala Reinhardt. This award reflects the Filmuni's commitment to supporting talented filmmakers.
Particularly noteworthy is the participation of Katja Krause, head of the university library, and alumna Dascha Dauenhauer, both of whom are represented on juries. Dauenhauer is part of the International Short Film Jury, while Krause sits on the Caligari Film Prize jury. Alumnus Dieu Hao Do was appointed to the Talents Footprints – Mastercard Enablement Program jury.
Diverse film contributions
The connection to the film university is not only reflected in the production, but also in the diversity of the contributions. The Berlinale Classics will present the digitally restored version of **SOLO SUNNY**, a film by director Konrad Wolf in which graduate Dieter Montag plays a role. In addition to **SCHWESTERHERZ**, the Panorama also includes **WELCOME HOME, BABY** by alumna Daniela Baumgärtl and the Panorama Documents **SATANISCHE SAU**, directed by Rosa von Praunheim.
The film **PRIDE & EIGENSINN** written by alumni Gerd Kroske was selected for the forum, while the film **HELDIN** by Petra Volpe, also an alumna, will be shown at the Berlinale Special Gala. In the Berlinale Shorts section, the short film **CEASEFIRE** by Jakob Krese, an alumnus of the film university, will be presented.
Commitment to film culture
The festival itself looks back on an eventful history and is being expanded this year with new sections such as “Perspectives” at the Stage Bluemax Theater. With the aim of revitalizing film and cinema culture in Berlin, the Berlinale 2025 will not only maintain its traditions, but also develop in a contemporary way. The Berlinale, which began in 1951 in the Titania Palace, has manifested itself over the decades and has always faced the challenges of the changing audience and media landscape.
In an accompanying film sound panel, the topic of “Sound – the underestimated narrative level” will be discussed, with a number of experts, including film university professor Karim Sebastian and alumnus Paul Rischer. The event will take place on February 20, 2025 at the Canadian Embassy at Potsdamer Platz.
The film university makes a significant contribution to the colorful diversity of the Berlinale 2025 through its committed alumni and creative projects. With a clear focus on innovative storytelling and empowering new talent, this year will be a significant chapter in the festival's history.
As the city prepares for the festival of film art, the connection between film school and professional practice remains a central element of the Berlinale, enriching both local and international film culture.