The Berlin Film Festival kicked off its 75th anniversary edition February 13 with the opening-night world premiere screening of The Light, Tom Tykwer’s politically charged film that takes stock of German society in the first quarter of the 21st century.

The Berlin film festival kicked off its 75th anniversary event in style Thursday night, with the German and international film industry giving a warm welcome of a very cold and snowy night to new Berlinale director Trica Tuttle.

BERLIN — The Berlin International Film Festival is kicking off on Thursday with the world premiere of Tom Tykwer’s “The Light,” a timely tale of a dysfunctional German family and a Syrian refugee.

Tilda Swinton brought the heat on a snowy night as the 75th edition of the Berlin Film Festival opened with a gala that included a career achievement honor presented to the Scottish Oscar winner known for her versatility and adventure.

Tilda Swinton poses for photographers at the photo call for her Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at the International Film Festival, Berlinale, in Berlin, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025..

The 75th Berlin International Film Festival opened with the world premiere of Tom Tykwer’s “The Light,” as Tilda Swinton was honored with the Golden Bear. (Feb. 13)

The Berlin Film Festival's opening feature, dysfunctional family drama "The Light," sends the unequivocal message that migrants are welcome, said star Lars Eidinger, ahead of German elections characterised by debate over tougher migration rules.

German director Tom Tykwer said Thursday that his latest movie about a Syrian immigrant aimed to encourage people to stop "isolating" themselves, as it opened Berlin's international film festival. "The Light",