Elective Affinities: Exploring 32 Berlinale Forum Films in 2026

The 2026 Berlinale Forum will feature 32 films that emphasize social relevance and aesthetic expression. This year’s edition highlights the impact of cinema on society, exploring themes of coexistence, history, and solidarity. It offers a platform for both established and independent filmmakers to engage with critical issues, including the effects of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Key Highlights of Berlinale Forum 2026

• The Forum includes 32 films in the main program.
• A special segment addresses sensitive topics in filmmaking.
• Barbara Wurm leads the Forum, focusing on diverse cinematic forms.

Important Themes and Films

The forum’s films tackle significant issues such as colonialism, violence against women, and social injustices. The program features 15 main features, including six notable debuts from various countries:

• Women as Lovers by Koxi (Germany)
• Lust by Ralitza Petrova (Bulgaria)
• Hear the Yellow by Banu Sıvacı (Turkey)
• Ghost in the Cell by Joko Anwar (Indonesia)
• My Name by Chung Ji-young (South Korea)
• AnyMart (Japan)

Documentaries and Reflective Works

Prominent documentaries include:

• Flying Tigers by Madhusree Dutta
• Forest up in the Mountain by Sofia Bordenave
• Effondrement by Anat Even
• Black Lions — Roman Wolves by Haile Gerima

These works examine critical social issues, including racism and historical injustices. Rithy Panh’s portrayal of the Bunong people in Cambodia adds an important perspective on global economic impacts. Also noteworthy are Einar Schleef’s reflections on Germany’s past and Volker Koepp’s longitudinal study of political changes in Eastern Europe amid ongoing conflicts.

Innovative Cinematic Forms

The Berlinale Forum also showcases hybrid and experimental formats. Highlights include:

• Doggerland (Sweden)
• Masayume by Nao Yoshigai (Japan)
• Auslandsreise by Ted Fendt
• Everything Else Is Noise
• Crocodile by Pietra Brettkelly (New Zealand/Nigeria)

These films foster community and celebrate collective filmmaking achievements. Works like The Moths & the Flame by Kevin Contento and Prénoms by Nurith Aviv demonstrate positive social narratives.

As the Berlinale Forum 2026 approaches, additional insights, interviews with filmmakers, and bonus content will be shared on the El-Balad platform in the coming weeks, contributing to a deeper understanding of these distinct cinematic voices.