In co-operation with a broad network of partners in culture and business, the Berlinale has organised a comprehensive programme of special events that open up new perspectives, provide insight into key themes, make new connections and explore realms where film intersects with other creative disciplines. Here you will find an overview for each Berlinale of these events, which take place in the form of special presentations, professional lectures or film series and have a one-of-a kind character.

In autumn 2009, the peaceful revolution and the fall of the Wall will celebrate their 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Deutsche Kinemathek have initiated a special series entitled “After Winter Comes Spring – Films Presaging the Fall of the Wall”. The project will be launched at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival. Curated by Claus Löser, the films made in both Germanys and Eastern Europe during the last decade of the Cold War formulate the hope of a political or economic opening and, above all, artistic freedom...

Since 2007, the Berlin International Film Festival and the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Board have presented the Berlinale Keynotes as part of the festival. Lectures by entrepreneurs, visionaries and luminaries of the film and media industries address the burning topics of the future, current challenges and possible strategies for the film industries and cultures. More information on the 2009 Berlinale Keynotes.

The series “Culinary Cinema – Eat, Drink, See Movies” will see its third year at the Berlinale 2009. Once again a selection of films on culinary themes will be shown, after which top chefs will prepare and present creative slow food inspired by the different movies. More information on the 2009 Culinary Cinema to follow soon.