Berlinale Accessibility
Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination
The Berlinale is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all its festival participants. The festival is constantly working to break down existing barriers and create a programme that is accessible to everyone. On this page, you will find regularly updated information about access, the festival’s barrier-free programme and contact information for protection against discrimination.
Access and Accessibility
Almost all the entrances to the individual venues are step-free or accessible via a lift. The festival strives to provide easy-to-read signage to make it easier to get around the venues. There are a limited number of wheelchair spaces in most Berlinale venues. The Berlinale offers an “early boarding” service for anyone who requires support. Officially recognised service dogs are permitted in all Berlinale venues.
Detailed information on the individual venues will be available here shortly before the festival.
Tickets and Accreditation
Accreditations for People with Disabilities
Information for accredited vistors can already be found on the accreditation site.
Tickets for People with Disabilities
From February, people with a degree of disability of at least 50% or equivalent can book one ticket per screening either by emailing or phoning.
If the severely disabled pass is class “B”, the ticket for the accompanying person is free of charge, subject to availability.
Further details on the ticket sale will be published closer to the festival.
Accessible Film Screenings
Most of the films screened in the Berlinale programme have not yet been released in cinemas. Many are only completed shortly before the festival begins and celebrate their premiere at the Berlinale. Hence, in most cases, accessible versions of the films are not yet available. Any audio descriptions and subtitles are created specifically for the festival.
A selection of festival films are screened with German audio description and German subtitles. Unfortunately, closed caption subtitling can only be offered for some films at the present time. Selected film discussions will be interpreted into the German sign language.
The screening schedule will be published here close to the festival.
Contact Anti-Discrimination
If you have experienced or observed discrimination in connection with the Berlinale, you can email at any time of the year to report the incident.
In addition, an Awareness Team of trained anti-discrimination consultants will be available during and shortly after the festival to ensure compliance with the KBB House Rules (see Notes on Anti-Discrimination). When and how the Awareness Team for the next Berlinale can be contacted will be announced in the run-up to the festival.