Berlinale 2026 Announces Star-Studded Lineup of Talks and Special Events
The festival will also host several talks focusing on the intersection of art and social justice.
RMN Stars Film Festivals Desk
New Delhi | February 6, 2026
The 2026 Berlin International Film Festival is set to host an extensive selection of public talks and thematic programs, offering audiences and industry professionals deep insight into the craft of filmmaking. These events are designed to engage with the creative, social, and political dimensions of international cinema culture.
Headlining Conversations: A major highlight of this year’s festival is a featured talk between Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sean Baker and Honorary Golden Bear recipient Michelle Yeoh. The event will host the world premiere of “Sandiwara,” an immersive short film directed by Baker and starring Yeoh. Additionally, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao will present the Berlinale Camera to celebrated composer Max Richter, followed by a discussion on his work in film and television.
Berlinale Talents: Embracing Creative Chaos: The 2026 edition of Berlinale Talents centers on the theme “Creating (and) Confusion — Cinema, Chaos and the Power of Discomfort”. This program features an exceptional group of artists who embrace creative risk, including:
- Hiam Abbass reflecting on her expansive career across film and theatre.
- Warwick Thornton discussing his work reframing erased histories.
- Sasha Waltz tracing the connections between choreography and the camera.
- Aidan Zamiri exploring his creative collaboration with Charli xcx.
Diverse Perspectives and Social Discourse: The festival will also host several talks focusing on the intersection of art and social justice. Notable sessions include a conversation between Black Cinema legends Charles Burnett and Haile Gerima regarding the L.A. Rebellion and New Black Cinema. The Teddy Talents Talks will explore queer cinema as a space for radical insight, while World Cinema Fund Day will examine the evolving definition of global cinema.
Public Access and Venues: Events are scheduled across several Berlin venues, with Radialsystem hosting the Talents program and the Berlinale HUB at Marlene-Dietrich-Platz offering free daily panels for the public. While many events require tickets, the festival continues to offer several free sessions, including Retrospective talks on film heritage and Forum Expanded artist talks.
