Dishing on the Berlinale Specials Program
For those fascinated by the world of film, the Berlin Film Festival is always a thrilling event. This year proves to be no exception as the out-of-competition gala section, dubbed the Berlinale Specials program, prepares to showcase a sterling lineup of action-packed films and stirring documentaries. The spotlight will be divided equally between domestic and international cinema, with a notable blend of well-known actors, emerging faces and accomplished directors. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling, from high-octane crime dramas to poignant real-life narratives.
Heart-Pumping Action: Love Lies Bleeding and The Roundup: Punishment
Leading the charge in the action genre are two highly anticipated films: Rose Glass’ crime actioner Love Lies Bleeding featuring Twilight star Kristen Stewart and Korean thriller The Roundup: Punishment helmed by director Heo Myeong-haeng. Love Lies Bleeding, with an ensemble cast including Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, Katy M. O’Brian, Ed Harris, and Jena Malone, is slated for its international premiere in Berlin. Meanwhile, The Roundup: Punishment, the latest offering from Train to Busan’s acclaimed actor Don Lee, is pegged for its global debut.
Global Cinema Highlight: From Israel to Italy
The Berlinale Specials program also includes other noteworthy presentations, like the latest drama Shikunfrom the Israeli proponent of cinema, Amos Gitai and Supersex, an Italian Netflix project based on the life of famous adult film star, Rocco Siffredi, with actor Alessandro Borghi on board. Documenting life in Kyiv since the start of the war in Ukraine is New York auteur Abel Ferrara’s project Turn in the Wound. Adding to the international mix is The Box Man, a fresh drama from Japan’s versatile director, Gakuryu Ishii.
Documentaries Galore
Cinemagoers with a preference for documentaries will certainly not feel overlooked. Coming from French documentarian Nicolas Philibert, famed for his award-winning On the Adamant, is another evocative piece titled Averroès & Rosa Parks. Other captivating documentaries in the Berlinale Special lineup include Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger, a comprehensive look at the works of iconic British filmmakers, narrated by Hollywood’s own Martin Scorsese, alongside The Empty Grave, which investigates the quest of Tanzanian lineage to retrieve the remains of their ancestors from 19th century colonialists, and exergue – on documenta 14, a detailed account of the efforts behind the making of the notable art exhibition in 2017.
Prepare yourself for a cinematic voyage from Feb. 15-25 with the 74th Edition of Berlinale.
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