The Berlinale

A Wide World of Film: visit Berlin from 5 to 15 February and book with HostelsClub.com

Berlin is a city of culture with international appeal. In the middle of it all the Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival. It is not only the largest cultural event in Berlin, it is one of the most important events for the international film industry. More than 19,000 film professionals from 120 countries, including 4,000 journalists, are accredited for the Berlin International Film Festival every year. The Berlinale is a festival of encounters and discussions. With more than 200,000 tickets sold, the Berlinale is not only a film industry meeting, but it also enjoys by far the largest audience of any film festival in the world. For two weeks, art, glamour, parties and business meet at the Berlinale.

Up to 400 films are shown every year as part of the Berlinale's public programme. Most of them are world's premieres. Movies of every genre, length and format can be submitted by anyone for consideration. The Berlinale is divided into different sections: big international movies, independent and art-house productions, movies that are crafted for a young audience, German cinema productions, an in-depth look at films from “distant” countries and experimental forms.

The most important prizes at the Berlinale are the Golden and Silver Bears. These are awarded by the International Jury to films in the Competition and belong to the most respected awards in the world of film. This year the President of Jury is Tilda Swinton, she is one of her generation’s most sought-after performers. In the competition the most likely candidates for Golden and Silver Bears movies are: Cherì, with Michelle Pfeiffer, directed by St. Frears, Happy Tears from M. Lichtenstein, with Damy Moore and Parker Posey, My One And Only with Renée Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Logan Lerman, Mark Rendall, it is movie from Richard Loncraine. These are not the only movies that will be performed, there are many more to be seen! The festival will be open by a movie directed by Tom Tykwer, The International on February the 5th. You will see live Owen, Naomi Watts, Armin Müller-Stahl, Brian F. O'Byrne, Ulrich Thomsen, Jack McGee and 6th of Feb you can see also The Reader directed by Stephen Daldry with Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Bruno Ganz u.v.a.

The most important artists will visit Berlin and many consider Berlin the unofficial capital of German the movie industry. It is home to a rich cinema scene and a diverse, discerning public. Last but not least, Berlin has captured the imagination of countless filmmakers. Over and over again, the city has served as the backdrop for great silver screen productions, often becoming itself the secret protagonist of the movie.

Think “film” and “Berlin” is bound to spring to mind. For two weeks every year Berlin is totally enraptured by the Berlinale. Ticket sales start on Feb 2, 2009!

If you love cinema, you have to visit Berlin sometimes from February the 5th to February the 15th, HostelsClub has amazingly cheap rooms in Berlin hostels! For example you can book Meininger City Hostel Meininger Straß, where double room cost only 35€, and in Backpackerberlin you will pay only 33€ for double room! Look for Hotel und Hostel in Belin.

Before the main event you could also attend the Berlinale Talent Scout : 'A six-day creative summit for up-and-coming Filmakers' and of course Hostelsclub.com will give you some help for your cheap accommodation in Berlin.

Willkommen in Berlin!

Berlin travel guide