Feb 10, 2023
Solidarity with Ukraine and Iran

The Berlinale staunchly condemns Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, which violates international law, and expresses its solidarity with the people in Ukraine and all those who are campaigning against this war. The festival also stands with the courageous protesters in Iran as they defend themselves against a violent, undemocratic regime.

The film selection and various events - in part with cooperation partners - will focus on Iran and Ukraine.

The activities announced on January 23, will be complemented by the following formats and actions:

February 18 at 12.30 pm
Hebbel am Ufer (HAU1), Stresemannstr. 29, 10963 Berlin
Panel discussion (in Englisch)

The “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” Effect – The Role of Cinema and the Arts in the Iranian Revolution

In times of revolutionary turmoil, art and culture seem to lose their justification. Reality is so emotionally charged that films cannot compete and have to take second place. Numerous artists in Iran and the diaspora support the revolution for “Woman, Life, Freedom” in Iran. And many are paying a heavy price: the regime persecutes them mercilessly. Art must react to this. In cooperation with HAU Hebbel am Ufer and the aid organisation HÁWAR.help, the Berlinale is bringing together Iranian, Kurdish and Afghan filmmakers with political decision-makers for a panel discussion. The question to be debated is: What role do films and art play in the Iranian revolution?

12.30 pm Welcome address by Mariëtte Rissenbeek, Berlinale Executive Director, Annemie Vanackere (HAU Hebbel am Ufer), Tezcan Tekkal (HÁWAR.help)

12.40 pm Start panel discussion
Host: Shila Behjat

Panelists:
Sepideh Farsi, director (La Sirène, Panorama 2023)
Jasmin Tabatabai, actor
Melika Fourotan, actor
Farzad Pak, producer and host of umbrella-stand at EFM: Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association
Various political representatives

The panel discussion will take place in cooperation with HAU Hebbel am Ufer and HÁWAR.help e.V.

Entrance is free. Those interested can register from February 14, 2023 at 10.00 am to February 17, 2023 at 5.00 pm via with the subject line “Berlinale Iran Panel”. The panel discussion will be streamed live on the Berlinale YouTube channel.

February 18, 2.55 pm – 3.15 pm:
Berlinale Palast, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1

Demonstration of Solidarity with Iran on the Red Carpet at the Berlinale Palast

Participants: Representatives of various Film teams, jury members, further filmmakers

February 24, 6.10 pm – 6.25 pm:
Berlinale Palast, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1

Demonstration of Solidarity with Ukraine on the Red Carpet at the Berlinale Palast

Participants: His Excellency, the Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev, representatives of various film teams of Waking Up in Silence, Shidniy Front (Eastern Front) and My ne zgasnemo (We Will Not Fade Away), delegations of the EFM, representatives of the Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival, representatives of the Odesa International Film Festival

Generation

Dancing Queen by Aurora Gossé
February 19, 12.30 pm
Filmtheater am Friedrichshain

Generation Kplus films traditionally feature a live German voice-over for younger audiences. However, as previously announced, the Generation Kplus film Dancing Queen will also have a live Ukrainian voice-over.

Press Office
February 10, 2023