Forum Regulations

1. Eligibility

Eligible for Forum are fiction feature films, documentaries, animation or experimental films celebrating their world, international or European premiere which

• are of at least 60 minutes running time.
• are available as world or international or European premieres.
• have not been screened at any European film festival outside of their country of origin.
• have not been released theatrically or presented publicly in Europe outside of their country of origin.
• have not been presented publicly in Germany.
• have neither been broadcasted nor presented on the internet/VOD outside of their country of origin.
• 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 to the Berlinale.

World premieres are prioritised (see General Information on Premiere Status). German films applying for Forum need to be a European premiere as minimum requirement and may not have been presented publicly in Germany (festival, theatrical release, TV, internet, VOD).

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 the country of origin.

For all applications, the General Guidelines for Film Submission and Participation apply. The head of the Forum section reserves the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.

There is no open submission process for Forum Expanded. For more information please contact .

2. Selection and Programming

The head of Forum invites films to participate in Forum. The section head is advised by an international selection team

3. Language Version and Subtitles

Films selected for the Forum are shown in their original version with English subtitles. A second version with German subtitles would be appreciated but is not obligatory.