Tricia Tuttle on Curating a Lineup That Connects with Audiences: A Look at Berlinale's Vision for Cohesion

The Berlin Film Festival kicks off Thursday with the screening of Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat’s film, *No Good Men*, featuring Sadat in the lead role as a female camera operator confronting sexism in Kabul during the tumultuous weeks preceding the U.S. troop withdrawal in August 2021.

Festival Director Tricia Tuttle first met Sadat during her decade-long tenure at the London Film Festival, where Sadat’s earlier works, *Wolf and Sheep* and *The Orphanage*, were showcased.

“With our opening night, we want to surprise. It’s important to bring something fresh each year,” Tuttle remarked. “I adored her first two films, which played in London when I was deputy director and later as director. This new film is distinct; it is political yet resonates emotionally. I expect audiences will connect with it.”

‘No Good Men’

Sadat, who faced significant risks as part of a community vulnerable to Taliban rule, was one of approximately 120,000 individuals airlifted from Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport during the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. She is now residing in Germany.

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When asked if *No Good Men* serves as a response to increasing anti-immigrant sentiments in Germany and across Europe, Tuttle noted, “It touches on that, but it isn’t solely focused on it. We appreciate that this film provides a deep, human perspective on the experience of being an exile, not by choice. It’s a very moving story; it reminds me of the imperative to see individuals as people in need of support.”

Tuttle added, “Sadat collaborated closely with the refugee community. Still, I don’t want audiences to perceive it as merely a didactic message; it’s not that kind of film. I anticipate that viewers will be moved and find moments of humor. We aim to utilize our platform to elevate an intriguing filmmaker whose work might struggle for visibility in the marketplace.”

Balance & Market Connection

This year’s selection reflects Tuttle’s commitment to supporting cinema at various levels. She has prioritized enhancing the variety of showcased films, ensuring cohesion with the European Film Market (EFM).

“One aspect I have always appreciated about the Berlinale is its balance across diverse cinematic forms. I believe this year’s competition lineup embodies that well,” Tuttle stated.

She highlighted the eclectic genres featured alongside drama, including animation with *A New Dawn* by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, the western *Wolfram* by Warwick Thornton, thrillers like *Dust* by Anke Blondé, *Josephine* by Beth de Araújo, and horror films such as *Nightborn* by Hanna Bergholm.

“With each of the 22 films, every filmmaker is pushing boundaries and creating work worthy of serious consideration. They are all at the height of their craft, yet each brings something unique.”

Tuttle expressed hope that this year’s selection would resonate with both Berlinale attendees and the participants at the European Film Market.

“We want the two facets of Berlinale’s identity—the European Film Market and the general public—to align effectively,” she noted. Despite a record turnout of 336,000 tickets sold in 2025, Tuttle acknowledged a sense of detachment between these two sectors in recent years.

“While outcomes cannot be guaranteed, this year features numerous compelling films available for sale. Last year, buyers indicated that though they valued the quality, accessing films posed challenges. My hope is that these selections may ease their path towards connecting with audiences.”

‘Dust’

Tuttle cited the Belgian thriller *Dust* as having significant crossover potential and noted that *Josephine* has gained traction following its success at Sundance, where it received both the Grand Jury and Audience Awards.

In light of challenges facing the independent distribution and exhibition sectors, Tuttle expressed a desire for innovative solutions. “I am eager to see actionable strategies for supporting independent cinemas and incentivizing them to screen quality European films for extended periods,” she stated.

This year’s competition includes directors, such as Karim Ainouz with *Rosebush Pruning* and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun with *Soumsoum, The Night Of The Stars*, who have previously debuted their works at festivals like Cannes and Venice.

“Many of them have also screened in Berlin. We have strong relationships with these filmmakers who appreciate our audiences. The revitalized energy from last year’s festival certainly contributed,” she noted.

Following the announcement of this year’s lineup in January, discussions within film forums indicated that some high-profile contenders had been rejected by Cannes and Venice.

When queried about these claims, Tuttle responded, “We are unaware of what other festivals choose to showcase. Our final program has been in consideration since March 2025.”

Another topic of interest concerns the absence of high-profile U.S. indie films, which has dampened hopes for titles like Warner Bros.’ *The Bride!* and A24’s *The Drama* to premiere at the festival.

Tuttle emphasized that while the Berlinale maintains solid relationships with major studios, their reluctance to feature prominent titles aligns with a broader trend.

“This pattern may become more pronounced; some of the year’s most anticipated films, like *Sinners* and *One Battle After Another*, bypassed festivals altogether for direct marketplace launches,” she remarked.

Tuttle added, “We maintain strong ties with platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. However, the festival’s success hinges upon close alignment with their scheduled international releases.”

Mona Fastvold, left, and Amanda Seyfried

Searchlight Pictures will collaborate with the festival. The Berlinale previously hosted the German premiere of *A Complete Unknown*, featuring Timothée Chalamet, and will now showcase Mona Fastvold’s Venice title *The Testament Of Anne Lee*, starring Amanda Seyfried.

“I adore Mona, and Amanda Seyfried has a longstanding relationship with the festival, having attended many times,” Tuttle noted, regarding Seyfried’s previous visit for Atom Egoyan’s *Seven Veils* in 2024. “We will also present a 70mm print of the film, which I am particularly excited about.”

The red carpet will feature several notable attendees, including Honorary Golden Bear guest Michelle Yeoh, alongside Pamela Anderson, Callum Turner (*Rosebush Pruning*), Ethan Hawke (*The Weight*), Bella Ramsay (*Starry Dancer*), Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan (*Josephine*), John Turturro (*The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*), and Charli xcx (*The Moment*).

Calmer Mood

As the festival approaches, the atmosphere appears more tranquil compared to recent years, despite increasing political tensions globally.

Last year, concerns about the rise of Germany’s far-right party, the AfD, loomed, particularly after it secured a record 20% of the national vote. However, Tuttle noted that while the situation remains a background concern, it isn’t currently a focal point of anxiety at the festival.

“That’s not our primary concern at present, even as it is a genuine threat globally where populist right movements are rising and situations can shift swiftly,” she commented.

Additionally, tensions arising from the previous year’s controversies regarding the film *No Other Land* in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict seem to have calmed.

“We’ve taken proactive steps to foster dialogue leading up to the festival. We engaged in important discussions to address fears of censorship. Our goal is to ensure filmmakers feel they can present their work here without fear of silencing,” Tuttle stated.