Berlinale turns 70

In 2020, the Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival – turns 70 years young, and for the past seven years, Audi has partnered with the festival, delivering the stars to the red carpet as well as hosting a week of discussion and celebration of all things film.

Running from 20 February to 1 March, The Berlinale becomes the centre of the world film world, and a vibrant festival that dates back to 1951. Indeed, the concept for the Berlinale was born at the beginning of the Cold War, and was intended as a “showcase of the free world”. Now, 70 years on it continues to champion pioneers in film as well as celebrate outstanding work and performances from around the world. 

Each year more 400 films of all genres, lengths and formats are aired at The Berlinale, celebrating some of the greats of the film world as well as recognising new talent. From documentaries to foreign language films and to mainstream dramas and blockbusters, it attracts the best and the brightest as well as the inspiring new visionaries.

But the Berlinale is more than just a ‘film festival’ – it is a unique place of artistic exploration and entertainment, that invites stars and fans to take part in discussions about the direction of film, trends and social issues and how these things interact. This year, for example, a special discussion panel is putting the spotlight on the development of prototypes in the fields of film and mobility, with UN climate ambassador and Audi Formula E racing driver Lucas di Grassi taking part on the on a panel about sustainability.

It is a colossal event – or week of events – indeed one of the largest public film festivals in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe each year.

For Berlin it is the event of the year, with the Berlinale Open House program in the Audi Berlinale Lounge, as well as the area directly opposite the Berlinale Palast, full of fans and celebrities for the duration of the 11 days.

As part of its role as Principal Sponsor of the Berlinale, Audi has always provided the VIP transportation to and from the red carpet – this year in a fleet of Audi e-trons and Audi A8 TFSI e hybrids.

In the first days of this year’s event, everyone from Johnny Depp to Jeremy Irons and Sigourney Weaver have made their way to the red carpet in the Audi fleet, with a host of other big names due to make an appearance over the coming days.

The 70th Berlinale will continue until Sunday when it will conclude with a gala finale.