The Berlinale Program Is Online!

The Berlinale is just around the corner, and with it a number of films and directors that are not only competing for the coveted prizes, but can also be found on the Sooner platform. This exciting intersection between one of the world's largest film festivals and Sooner's curated selection offers film lovers an exclusive opportunity to discover more and deepen their festival experience. In this blog post, we'll show you the fascinating overlaps between the two and how you can extend the Berlinale atmosphere to Sooner.

One particularly exciting highlight of the Berlinale program is the competition in which director Gabriel Mascaro's “The Blue Trail” is represented. This film is perfectly aligned with the series of outstanding works that also includes Mascaro's earlier films NEON BULL and DIVINE LOVE. Both works are available on Sooner and offer a deep insight into Mascaro's unique narrative style and visual aesthetic. Those who watch the high-caliber films at the Berlinale Palast this year can look forward to an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Also in the competition is “Time Stamp” by Kateryna Gornostai, who already caused a stir with her award-winning film STOP-ZEMLIA. “Time Stamp” is another example of Gornostai's talent for illuminating complex human relationships in a documentary, almost intimate style. On Sooner, you'll also find STOP-ZEMLIA, a film that impressively captures the coming-of-age experiences of a young woman in Ukraine.

The Panorama section of the Berlinale also offers exciting discoveries. A particular highlight of the Berlinale program is “Delicious”, the debut film by actress Nele Mueller-Stöfen as a director. Nele, who gives an impressive acting performance in ALL MY LOVING as Sooner, shows in her own film her ability to switch between the roles of actress and director. “Delicious” will surely enrich the Berlinale, and those who have already seen Nele on Sooner will await her debut film with even more enthusiasm. Those who watch this premiere at the Berlinale Palast can look forward to an unforgettable experience when the film team is greeted with applause and recognition.

We would also like to highlight “Other People's Money” by Jan Schomburg, which can also be seen in the Panorama section. Jan Schomburg is a creative mind whose films fascinate with their emotional depth and stylistic sophistication. On Sooner, you can find two of his works: ABOVE US ONLY SKY with Sandra Hüller in the leading role – and the equally moving film LOSE MY SELF, starring Sandra Hüller, Ronald Zehrfeld and Johannes Krisch.

Another impressive film in the Panorama section is “Paul” by Denis Côté, who dives deep into the human psyche in his exploration of it. For Côté fans, Sooner also offers the opportunity to discover more of his work – for example, in THAT KIND OF SUMMER, a film that also features his characteristic blend of poetic storytelling and in-depth analysis of human nature.

The Berlinale Forum is known for its avant-garde and profound films, which often open up new perspectives on the world. A particularly noteworthy film in this section is “Ancestral Visions of the Future” by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese, whose earlier work MOTHER, I AM SUFFOCATING. THIS IS MY LAST FILM ABOUT YOU is also available on Sooner. Mosese manages to address universal themes such as home and loss in a deeply personal yet global way.

Another fascinating work in the Forum is “The Kiss of the Grasshopper” by Elmar Imanov, who is known for his striking visual language and emotional narratives. Imanov is already represented in the Forum with THE SWING OF THE COFFIN MAKER, a film that poetically interweaves the themes of death and life.

Not to be forgotten is the film “Eighty Plus” by Želimir Žilnik, which addresses the challenges of life in old age and achieves remarkable depth in doing so. There is already a film by him available on Sooner: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, which offers an equally moving and socially critical look at Yugoslavian society.

Whether at the neighborhood cinema or at the Berlinale Palast – the feeling of being part of the world's largest film festival is indescribable. In particular, the red carpet in front of the Berlinale Palast offers visitors a true Hollywood feeling and unforgettable memories. But for those who can't be there in person, Sooner offers a fantastic way to experience the Berlinale by discovering the films of this year's event from the comfort of your own home. So you can enjoy the flair of the Berlinale Palast and the many magical moments right in your living room.

With these fascinating overlaps, the 2025 Berlinale will not only feature exciting premieres and world premieres, but Sooner will also offer a deeper dive into the works of directors and actors represented at both events. As you explore the Berlinale program and search for special films, you can discover many of these works directly on Sooner, extending your festival experience in a whole new way. The Berlinale and Sooner – a perfect combination for film fans who want more.