Competition Regulations

1. Eligibility

Eligible for Competition are fiction feature films, documentaries, animation or experimental film which

• are of at least 60 minutes running time.
• are available as world or international premieres.
• have not participated at any international film festival outside of their country of origin.
• have not been released theatrically or presented publicly outside of their country of origin.
• have not been presented publicly in Germany.
• have neither been presented on television nor on the internet/VOD.
• were completed within the 12 months prior to the start of the festival.
• are available in the formats DCP or QuickTime ProRes – 35mm or other formats only upon request.
• are intended for theatrical release.
• have never been submitted for selection at the Berlinale.

World premieres are prioritised (see General Information on Premiere Status). German films must be world premieres to be eligible for Competition.

The film’s country of origin is determined by the registered office address of the production company. In case of international co-productions, the main country of production will be considered as country of origin.

For all applications, the General Guidelines for Film Submission and Participation apply. The Festival Director reserves the right to decide on any eventuality not foreseen in these guidelines.

2. Selection and Programming

Films selected to participate in Competition are invited by the Festival Director together with the Co-Directors of Programming. They are advised by an international selection committee.

3. Language Version and Subtitles

All films invited to participate in Competition are screened in their original language with German and English subtitles. The film’s producer is responsible for meeting the costs of subtitling and providing the subtitled version on time.

The version released in the country of origin is regarded as the original version.