German filmmaker Tom Tykwer is set to open the Berlin Film Festival with The Light, a gripping drama about a Syrian housekeeper. The film’s debut coincides with Germany’s national election campaign, where migration has become a central issue.
Although not competing for the festival’s top prize, The Light explores the upheaval within a Berlin family when they hire Farrah, a newly arrived Syrian domestic worker. This marks Tykwer’s return to feature filmmaking after focusing on the hit Netflix series Babylon Berlin.
The Berlinale, one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice, runs until February 23—the same day as Germany’s snap election, triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. With the far-right AfD party gaining ground in polls, migration remains a heated topic in the election discourse.
This year’s festival jury is led by American director Todd Haynes, who emphasized the Berlinale’s role as a space for urgent political discussions. He acknowledged global unrest and expressed concern over the possible return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
Festival director Tricia Tuttle highlighted cinema as a form of “resistance” against rising far-right ideologies. Last year, the Berlinale made headlines by barring five AfD politicians from attending.
Nineteen films are competing for the Golden Bear award, including Dreams by Mexico’s Michael Franco, What Does That Nature Say to You by South Korea’s Hong Sang-soo, and Kontinental ’25, a Romanian satire by Radu Jude. Renowned Hollywood director Richard Linklater will present Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke.
Additionally, South Korea’s Bong Joon-ho will showcase Mickey 17 starring Robert Pattinson, while British star Tilda Swinton is set to receive a lifetime achievement award.