The 76th Berlin International Film Festival began on February 12, 2026, with the world premiere of Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat’s No Good Men as the opening film. The event featured a tribute to Michelle Yeoh and a jury press conference where president Wim Wenders emphasized staying out of politics amid questions about Gaza. The festival runs through February 22, showcasing premieres like At the Sea starring Amy Adams.
The Berlin Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, kicked off in the German capital on February 12, 2026, marking its 76th edition. The opening night highlighted the world premiere of No Good Men, directed and written by Shahrbanoo Sadat. The film, set in Kabul, follows two colleagues at a news network amid the lead-up to the 2021 Taliban return and is billed as a political rom-com that critiques Afghan patriarchy. Deadline described it as a modest production that starts with lighthearted pokes at Taliban and Afghan government ineptitude before taking a dark turn toward unrest.
The evening also included a tribute to Michelle Yeoh, led by Sean Baker. This year’s competition lineup features major premieres such as At the Sea with Amy Adams, Rose starring Sandra Hüller, Queen at Sea with Juliette Binoche, Tom Courtenay, and Florence Hunt, and Rosebush Pruning featuring Callum Turner and Riley Keough.
Earlier in the day, the international jury, presided over by Wim Wenders, faced questions about global politics, including the war in Gaza and Germany’s support for Israel. Wenders stated, “movies can change the world, but not in a political way,” adding, “No movie has really changed any politician’s idea. But we can change the idea people have of how they should live.” Jury member Ewa Puszczyńska called a related question “a bit unfair,” noting, “we cannot be responsible for what their decision would be to support Israel or the decision to support Palestine,” and referencing other ongoing wars. Wenders reiterated, “We have to stay out of politics because... we are the counterweight of politics. We have to do the work of people, not the work of politicians.”
A livestream of the press conference encountered technical issues, prompting an apology from organizers who promised to release the full recording. Wenders praised the festival’s diversity: “You can be sure you’ll see more facets of the world than in any other festival.” The event continues until February 22.
