Honeymoons are always a joyous affair. Change, a new pathway to the future, there is a sense of optimism. For the Berlinale, in 2025, Tricia Tuttle’s appointment looked blissful, a breath of fresh air, turning a page for a festival needing new ideas. That was a year ago. In 2026, happily every after endings are only on the silver screen. As the 76th edition of the Potsdamer Platz fest gets underway, it looks as if the vacation period for Ms. Tuttle is over.
For the American’s sophomore effort, the recent headlines have slowly turned solemn. There is a growing chorus of criticism concerning the lack of Hollywood titles. The shortage of 100-watt glamour in comparison to Cannes and Venice is becoming more strident. Hoping for a more spirited Berlinale, instead the film festival feels as if it is falling back into the old ways of the past with a program over leaning on messaging and politics.
Cinematic Echo Chamber
The emphasis on size versus quality comes across a person carrying bags of sand up a mountain. Trapped by the Berlin’s rigid pious cinematic echo chamber, films should have a sermon, the Berlinale seems to have moved sideways, no closer to closing the gap between itself and the real A list festivals.
When the newspapers get this point, for the newly installed head it could mean the sunset cruise is over with rough waters ahead. The sense of momentum faded the moment the Competition Program was announced. While not impoverished, yet not satisfying, the twenty-two titles lack sensation, coming across as more personal filmmaking.
The Kosslick and Chatrian eras were known for political social statements, moving far out of commercial bounds, an intellectual cinematic soap box of sorts. However, the Berlinale’s reputation started suffering. Filmmakers no longer submit works to the Golden Bear Awarder, instead hoping for more pomp from other fests, rather than being overshadowed by controversy at the Potsdamer Theater. Has Tricia Tuttle hit a wall? A programmer can only say “yes” to what has been offered.
This year’s Berlinale seems to have replaced the so called “new approach” with the old way. Redoing what made it less relevant. After the honeymoon, relationships are not easy.
The Berlinale starts February 12th until February 22nd.