The Perspektive Deutsches Kino section aims to stimulate interest in new thematic and stylistic trends in German cinema. This section takes audiences on a journey of discovery through the world of German film. By revealing the unexpected and in contemporary German cinema, the idea is to give an insight into the industry's future. 

 

Around 12 of the latest generation of film-makers are selected to make up the programme. In order to make the section as accessible as possible, the formal entry requirements are deliberately set low. This also means that graduating film students are able to submit the films they made as part of their final exams. Any format can be submitted to the programme: the section is open to medium-length and experimental films, as well as the usual feature-length fiction and documentary films.  

When Dieter Kosslick became Berlinale director in 2001, one of his main aims was to involve German film more in the festival. In setting up the Perspektive Deutsches Kino he created a section which was committed to this, for the first time. Alfred Holighaus was appointed head of this section. One of his main duties is to stay in touch with the German film industry, including the country's directors, producers, distributors, films schools and funding institutions. As a journalist and film executive, as well as through his many years of experience as film critic, distributor and producer, Holighaus is a committed connoisseur of cinema. 

 

In 2004, the prize "Dialogue en perspective", sponsored by the French television channel TV5Monde in cooperation with the German-French Youth Office, was awarded for the first time. Its aim is to promote the awareness for German cinema among young French audiences. The prize jury has eight members: it is headed by a president, a professional whose work represents the cinematographic dialogue between France and Germany, and further consists of four French and three German members, who are selected by the prize donators by means of a public call for application. 

This jury is the only one at the Berlinale which is put together by inviting members of the public to apply. Those interested can find more information here (only in German).  

German films are of course shown not only in the Perspektive, but also in all the other sections of the festival. There is also the series German Cinema , a broader showcase of films which are believed to do well in theatres. It is linked to the European Film Market, its main aim being to improve the international marketing of German productions.