🍿Späti Quick Bites: What to Watch at the Berlinale 75
A Cinema Guide by FilmClub030: from festival must-sees to Berlin classics.
As the 75th Berlinale kicks off this Thursday, Berlin once again transforms into a global cinema hub. More than just one of the world's largest public film festivals, the Berlinale has been a powerful platform for cultural exchange and political discourse since its inception in 1951.
Born in the Cold War era as a "showcase of the free world," the festival has consistently championed independent cinema and fearless storytelling. This year's edition carries special significance - not only for its milestone anniversary but also for its bold political stance amid Germany's current social climate. In a notable move, the festival did not send invitations to Alternative for Germany (AfD) party members, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values just weeks before the German elections.
To celebrate both the Berlinale and Berlin's rich cinematic heritage, we've partnered with FilmClub030. Located where the Spree separates Mitte from Friedrichshain, this independent collective brings film lovers together through regular social screenings. Two of their founders, Jules and Konstantin, have curated two special lists for our readers: must-watch films at this year's Berlinale and their favorite movies shot in our city.
Grab your coffee and join us for a journey through Berlin's silver screen moments.
🎬 Must-Watch at Berlinale 2025: FilmClub30's Picks
🔹The Monster Has Always Lived Here
On February 20th, as part of Hessen Talents, the short film The Monster Has Always Lived Here (Mia Beisert, Hochschule RheinMain) will be screened. This feminist horror short film offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre, and we highly recommend checking it out!
Mehrnoush Alia’s 1001 Frames turns a simple audition into a harrowing confrontation with power, abuse, and resistance. Drawing from real testimonies, the film sheds light on gender-based injustices in the entertainment industry while reflecting on the broader oppression of women in Iran. A bold and unsettling debut that refuses to look away.
A hidden gem of trans cinema, Dressed in Blue paints a vivid and deeply personal portrait of six trans women in 1980s Madrid. Their stories reveal the struggles and resilience of a community in a changing Spain, offering a rare glimpse into lives too often left out of history. A touching and essential documentary.
Magic Farm is a sharp and witty satire on the pitfalls of modern journalism and viral media. Stranded in the wrong country, a film crew chooses deception over honesty, crafting a fake documentary that exposes the absurd ways Western media misrepresents Latin America. A darkly comedic and thought-provoking critique of storytelling in the digital age.
🎥 Beyond Berlinale: 5 Berlin Films to Watch From Your Couch:
FilmClub030's Five Essential Films
Heiko’s Welt (2021)
A love letter to Berlin’s iconic pub culture, Heiko’s Welt dives deep into the smoky, beer-soaked bars of Wedding. Following Heiko’s absurd yet heartfelt quest to save his mother’s eyesight, the film captures the raw charm of Berlin’s Kneipen and the eccentric characters who call them home. A darkly funny and authentic slice of the city’s underground spirit.
Lieber Thomas (2021)
Lieber Thomas is a striking portrait of Berlin in the divided Germany of the 20th century, capturing the rebellious spirit of writer and filmmaker Thomas Brasch. A dissident in the GDR, Brasch challenged the system with his sharp words and restless creativity, caught between censorship and the desire for freedom. Directed by Berlin-born Andreas Kleinert, the film moves through the city’s oppressive East and hedonistic West, immersing itself in Berlin’s political and cultural upheaval. A visually stunning and powerful tribute to a fearless artist and a changing city.
Lola Rennt (1998)
Lola rennt is a dynamic and groundbreaking film that redefined the German cinema landscape, with Berlin at its heart. Through its fast-paced narrative and iconic cinematography, the film explores the city’s vibrant energy, its chaotic streets, and the lives intertwined within it. A cult classic, it captures the pulse of late-90s Berlin, blending tension, love, and fate in a way that resonated far beyond Germany’s borders. A must-see for anyone wanting to understand Berlin’s cinematic identity and its cultural impact.
Coming Out (1989)
Coming Out is a powerful and historic film, the first openly gay feature produced in the GDR, which follows a young man’s journey toward accepting his sexual identity in a repressive society. On the night of its premiere, November 9, 1989—the very night the Berlin Wall fell—audiences sat in the theater, watching this groundbreaking film, unaware that the world outside was changing forever. A poignant and symbolic moment where personal and political liberation unfolded both on-screen and in the streets of Berlin.
Victoria (2015)
Victoria is a gripping, real-time thriller set against the backdrop of Berlin’s night-time streets, where a young Spanish woman’s seemingly ordinary night spirals into an intense, life-changing experience. Shot in a single continuous take, the film immerses you in the raw energy of the city and the unpredictability of chance encounters. A thrilling, pulse-pounding journey through Berlin’s nightlife that captures the city’s grit and excitement with unmatched realism.
🍿 Meet FilmClub030
An independent film club based in Berlin, FilmClub030 brings people together to watch, discuss, and connect through movies - whether they're hardcore cinephiles or enjoy a good film now and then.
The club dives into the context—social, political, artistic—and explores the stories, emotions, and ideas behind the films, creating a space for open conversation. They aim to inspire a deeper passion for film and welcome people to explore movies they might not usually encounter.
FilmClub030 hosts regular screenings where participants gather to watch a feature film together, followed by a short discussion. The twist? The movie remains a secret until the screening. Every film is shown in OV with English subtitles.
Jules and Konstantin were the curators of the list for this article.
From arthouse gems to crowd-pleasing premieres, this year's Berlinale has something for every movie lover. Step out of your comfort zone - you might just discover your next favorite film in a packed festival screening.
Feeling overwhelmed about how to secure your Berlinale tickets? Our friends at From Julia's Desk have prepared an excellent Berlinale Survival Guide to help you navigate the festival like a pro.
🎬 See you at the movies,
Isabelle and Lua
Love the Guide! Thank you for linking to mine <3 hope to see u in the cinema