Berlin Film Festival 2026 full lineup: Opening film, competition, special Screenings, and more

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival has unveiled its full programme for 12 – 22 February 2026, with a rich slate of films in Competition and other key sections that reflect a global array of voices and cinematic styles.

Main Competition (Golden Bear Contenders)

A total of 22 films from around the world will compete for the festival’s prestigious Golden Bear award. The Competition lineup includes a mix of established filmmakers and exciting new voices, covering genres from intimate dramas to bold psychological thrillers:

Key Competition titles:

- At the Sea by Kornél Mundruczó (starring Amy Adams)

- Josephine by Beth de Araújo (featuring Channing Tatum & Gemma Chan)

- Rosebush Pruning by Karim Aïnouz (with Elle Fanning, Callum Turner & Pamela Anderson)

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- Rose by Markus Schleinzer (with Sandra Hüller)

- Queen at Sea by Lance Hammer (leading Juliette Binoche)

- A New Dawn (anime) by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya

- Josephine and At the Sea among other international entries

- Gelbe Briefe (Yellow Letters) by İlker Çatak

- Dao by Alain Gomis

- Wolfram by Warwick Thornton

- Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles

- YO Love Is a Rebellious Bird by Anna Fitch & Banker White

and more from directors across 28 countries.

The films represent diverse storytelling, from historical narratives and personal journeys to contemporary reflections on identity, belonging and society.

Opening Film

The festival will open with the world premiere of No Good Men by Shahrbanoo Sadat, a drama about a female camerawoman in Kabul, serving as the Opening Gala film of the 76th Berlinale.

Other Sections: Panorama, Special & Generation

Beyond Competition, the festival has curated an expansive programme across its other sections:

-Berlinale Panorama will feature nearly 37 titles including Allegro Pastell (German drama by Anna Roller) and Hong Sangsoo’s The Day She Returns.

-Special Gala and Presentations include documentaries and series such as Lord of the Flies (adaptation by Marc Munden) and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.

-Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus spotlight films aimed at young audiences, with selections such as Rima Das’ Not a Hero, Everyone’s Sorry Nowadays by Frederike Migom and poignant coming-of-age narratives.

What to Expect at Berlinale 2026

The festival’s programme illustrates an inclusive celebration of cinema, blending mainstream and experimental filmmaking, established voices and emerging talent. In addition to film screenings, Berlinale will host discussions, industry events and a prestigious jury led by Wim Wenders, with actress Michelle Yeoh set to receive an honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime contributions to film.

As one of the most respected festivals globally, Berlin’s 2026 edition promises standout premieres and a platform for films that champion artistic freedom, cultural exchange and cinematic innovation, a major highlight in the international film calendar.