The 74th Berlin International Film Festival kicks off Thursday with the debut of “Small Things Like These,” featuring popular actor Cillian Murphy. The movie, set in 1980s Ireland, explores the disturbing secrets held by a local convent. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film sheds light on Ireland’s Magdalene laundries, which were institutions operated by the Catholic Church to reform women.
This year’s festival is expected to involve discussions and demonstrations related to the ongoing war in Gaza. Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian expressed their concern about the spread of hate speech, anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim sentiments in Germany and around the world and aim to foster open dialogue regarding the war.
The Berlinale has also announced its partnership with social activists to set up the “Tiny Space” project, providing a platform for festival attendees to discuss and debate the crisis in the Middle East.
However, despite efforts to promote open dialogue, some filmmakers have withdrawn their films from the festival in protest of Germany’s support for Israel. Additionally, Iranian directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, who are due to present their new movie at the festival, are facing a travel ban and a court trial in their home country.
The festival has also made headlines for uninviting representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany party to the opening gala after large protests against the far right in Germany.
Lupita Nyong’o will serve as the Berlinale’s first black jury president at this year’s festival, joined by an esteemed panel of judges including Kristen Stewart and Martin Scorsese will receive an honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at a ceremony on Feb. 20.
The festival, showcasing a diverse range of films, will run through Feb. 25.
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