Summit

Talks

Featuring internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists, the talks in HAU1 offer valuable insights into every possible aspect of filmmaking. Open-mindedness and a passion for discovery are the hallmarks of this creative hotbed of the festival.

Past editions have featured director Apichatpong Weerasethakul exploring the creative power of dreaming, Ava DuVernay leading a dialogue on new voices in cinema with Indigenous filmmakers, Cate Blanchett on developing a controversial character, Meryl Streep discussing the role of women in Hollywood, director Raoul Peck giving a probing analysis of institutional racism, Ruben Östlund pitching his next film idea to the Berlinale Talents audience, and Ryūichi Sakamoto improvising live on the piano. As always at the Berlinale, audiences can actively participate and contribute their own questions and experiences.

Discussions

In smaller interactive gatherings and live workshops, experts dissect practical case studies together with the Talents, fellow guests and public audiences. Quite often, these sessions in HAU2 and HAU3 focus on specific disciplines, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge niche subjects.

Learn how to navigate virtual shoots with Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, get the inside scoop on the secrets of storytelling with Lav Diaz, or take a glance over the shoulder of Wes Anderson's prop and model maker Simon Weisse. Take part in a discussion on the ever-growing importance of intimacy coordination in the industry, or release your inner animal on stage together with renowned actors, led by some of the top acting coaches in the business. The sessions reflect cutting-edge trends and equip filmmakers with the tools they need to stay on top of an ever-changing industry.

Networking

Creating new connections and forging strong relationships is one of the most important parts of Berlinale Talents. The entire week is a playground for networking on all levels, from casual lunch with other Talents to our more structured events.

Take, for example, our Talents Tanks, which invite 200 Talents to take part in an open exchange with eachother, discussing the current and future state of work in the creative world, a safe, informal space where they can reflect on some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. Focused around one of our core sustainability themes, the Talents Tanks offer a place to jointly examine and condense shared visions of the future.

Dotted throughout the week we also have tightly-knit Focus Groups, giving you the chance to get personal with expert practitioners and raising questions on emerging aspects of the industry. Thanks to the intimate format, you'll be able to immerse yourself in topical discussions and exchanges with your fellow peers.

And we can't forget the legendary Dine & Shine, which hosts more than 400 guests and involves changing seats after every course, giving you the chance to meet a wide range of contacts from the industry reps and festival guests.