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...