The Berlin International Film Festival is not just an important source of revenue for the city. It is also a year-round business which is allocated an adequate budget to cover its running costs. Since the Berlinale belongs to the corporation "Federal Cultural Events in Berlin"
("Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes in Berlin GmbH") it receives around 40% of its financing from public federal funding. The remaining 60% must be earned every year by the festival itself. 

 

The festival, which lasts barely two weeks, generates a large portion of its income from the sale of tickets for the 900 or so public screenings and events. Additional income is brought in from the sale of entry passes and the rental of stands and advertising space at the European Film Market. However, the festival would be a very different event if it weren't for the generous contributions of sponsors and partners. It would actually be unthinkable to put on such a major cultural event without the commitment of private business. As in all good relationships the benefits are mutual: in its role as one of the largest meetings of the film industry, the Berlinale offers many unique opportunities for companies to advertise products and services. 

 

The next few pages aim to show how sponsors and advertising partners are involved in the festival. They contain not only helpful tips, but also important facts and figures for anyone interested in finding out more about the many ways of advertising at the Berlinale.