The Programme of the Competition 2026

In the Berlinale Competition, 22 films will compete for the Golden and Silver Bears, among them one first feature, one animation as well as one documentary. Productions from 28 countries are represented. 20 films are world premieres. Nine films were directed or co-directed by women. 14 filmmakers have been at the festival before, six even in Competition.

“We’ve found so much to fall in love with in this year’s bumper Competition line up. And we are so confident in the charms of these 22 films that we say defiantly, ‘if you don’t find something here to love, you don’t love cinema!!’ Satirical and formalist comedy, genre, a psychological thriller, a love story, a self-love story, anime, a western… these 22 films show off just how diverse great cinema is in 2026. Each one is beautifully crafted and delivers on its own artistic promise. We can’t wait to discover the films that will receive the Golden Bear and the Silver Bears from Wim Wenders’ jury on February 21st,” says Festival Director Tricia Tuttle.

The programme of the Competition