Berlinale Talents 2026

A good story denies a simple truth. Instead, it allows different perspectives, open questions, the discomfort of confusion, and a fragmentary gaze. This year’s “Berlinale Talents” welcomes ambiguity and paradox as essential parts of our world, celebrating the courage it takes to resist simple answers under the title: “Creating (and) Confusion – Cinema, Chaos and the Power of Discomfort”. In postcolonial, indigenous, queer and diaspora narratives, the stylistic device of confusion can embody lived realities of identity, displacement, trauma, and fragmentary stories, with the potential to challenge dominant narratives.

“Berlinale Talents” is a talent-promoting initiative created by the Berlin International Film Festival that will take place in Radialsystem for the first time between 13 - 18 February 2026. As one of the most important forums for young filmmakers, “Berlin Talents” invites 200 filmmakers each year from various branches including direction, production, acting, camera, set design, sound design, marketing and film criticism to take part in a week of workshops, think tanks, discussions and networking possibilities. This exchange celebrates collaboration across more than 15 film disciplines, emphasising equality in the creative process and supporting a diverse, fair culture sector worldwide.

Film enthusiasts in Berlin are invited to exchange thoughts on creativity and confusion, the art of filmmaking in itself, and on big ideas and practical challenges with Berlinale stars and leading industry figures at public events. A detailed programme will be published on 3 February 2026. Last year’s guests included Todd Haynes, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Scorsese, Kristen Stewart, Tilda Swinton, Bong Joon-ho and many more.