Berlinale Announces New Selection Committee and Advisors

Former Jerusalem Film Festival artistic director Elad Samorzik, Berlin-based critic, essayist and programmer Jessica Kiang, Ghana-based festival and art consultant Jacqueline Nsiah, and Festival Scope co-founder and programmer Mathilde Henrot have been appointed to the selection committee of festival director Tricia Tuttle’s first Berlin International Film Festival, taking place from February 13-23, 2025.

Selection Committee

The committee chooses the Competition and Berlinale Special titles and contributes to the Perspectives section. It is overseen by Tuttle, with co-directors of film programming Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stutz, who were appointed in June.

Advisors and Delegates

Tuttle, Lyanga and Stutz have also confirmed a group of advisors and delegates to offer programming support and deepen the expertise and international networks of the festival.

The advisors are Rowan Woods, on curating international series, festival organiser Kate Taylor, who headed up Edinburgh Film Festival in 2023, programmer Jin Park, to advise on genre films, and curators Ana David, Rabih El-Khoury and Toby Ashraf.

Long-standing Berlinale contributor Jenni Zylka returns to support on German cinema programming with a special focus on German new talent and film schools.

A further group of internationally-based regional and country delegates will scout for and act as ambassadors for all Berlinale programmes.

They include Mara Fortes for Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador; Luciano Monteagudo for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay; Meenakshi Shedde for South Asia; Eduardo Valente for Brazil; Ryan Werner for the US; and Norman Wang and Jacob Wong for Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Former European Film Market director Beki Probst continues in her role as Berlinale delegate and ambassador.

Quote from Festival Director Tricia Tuttle

“Berlinale welcomes nearly 20,000 international professionals each year, while also attracting over 324,000 public admissions,” said Tuttle. “We introduce films locally which we hope will go on to reach audiences around the globe; it is always a privilege to be part of this journey, as we know that cinema is an art form that is as dazzlingly vibrant as it is vital.

“To build a programme befitting this festival, we need a team with tremendous knowledge and networks, as well as different perspectives and tastes. This group brings a generous love of diverse forms of cinema and an excitement about sharing that passion.”

Conclusion

The Berlinale is committed to showcasing the best of international cinema and providing a platform for filmmakers to share their work with audiences around the world. With its new selection committee and advisors, the festival is well-positioned to continue its tradition of excellence in programming and to provide a unique and exciting experience for attendees.

FAQs

Q: What is the role of the selection committee?

A: The selection committee chooses the Competition and Berlinale Special titles and contributes to the Perspectives section.

Q: Who are the advisors and delegates?

A: The advisors and delegates are a group of industry experts and professionals who will provide programming support and deepen the expertise and international networks of the festival.

Q: What is the purpose of the regional and country delegates?

A: The regional and country delegates will scout for and act as ambassadors for all Berlinale programmes, promoting the festival and its films to their respective regions and countries.