September 2025 Highlights: Exceptional Cinematic Occurrences
Get ready, film enthusiasts! Berlin is set to host a variety of captivating film festivals this year, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences.
Fantasy Filmfest
First up is the Fantasy Filmfest, a staple in the Berlin film scene since 1987. This year's edition promises an exciting lineup, including films like Bone Lake, Good Boy starring Larry Fessenden, Japanese anime, and the black comedy splatter film The Toxic Avenger. (Note: Fantasy Filmfest has launched cult classics such as Freeway, Cure, Donnie Darko, Wild Things, and The Blair Witch Project.)
Queer Film Festival
For those who appreciate bold, funny, and beautiful queer cinema, the Queer Film Festival is a must-visit. This year, special guests like Jan Eilhardt and Marcio Reolon & Filipe Matzembacher will be in attendance.
Idiocinecratic Screening Series
New on the scene is the Idiocinecratic screening series, which focuses on overlooked, rarely seen, and outright forgotten films. The series kicks off with Sarah Jacobson's Mary Jane's Not a Virgin Anymore and Martha Coolidge's Not a Pretty Picture. (Note: The director of the film "Mary Jane's Not a Virgin Anymore" featured in the Idiocinecratic screening series is Sarah Jacobson.)
Silent Film Live Festival
If you're a fan of the magic of silent movies, the Silent Film Live Festival is a 10-day event not to be missed. Held at Babylon in Mitte, this festival is a celebration of silent cinema at its best.
filmPOLSKA
Last but certainly not least, filmPOLSKA, now in its 20th edition, is one of Berlin's best festivals for spotlighting regional cinema. This year, the competition programme focuses on debut or second feature films. Some highly anticipated works at filmPOLSKA include Glorious Summer, Flowers of Ukraine, Letters from Wolf Street, Travel Essentials, Seasons, and It's Not My Film.
In addition to the competition programme, the Panorama programme of filmPOLSKA spotlights the best of contemporary Polish cinema. The festival also includes a filmPOLSKA concert focusing on Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz, as well as works by Frédéric Chopin and Karol Szymanowski.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey in Berlin!
