Overview
- The festival opens on Thursday, February 12, with the 80-year-old director presiding over the International Jury that will choose winners from 22 competition films.
- Wenders says a film is prizeworthy if it leaves him thinking either "I wish I had made it" or "I could never have made it."
- He cautions that political positions are increasingly overtaking discussion of films and stresses separating intent from artistic merit.
- He warns that streaming platforms flood the market with algorithm-driven content, limiting time for smaller or original films to find audiences in cinemas.
- Festival director Tricia Tuttle aims to generate buzz and attract younger viewers with guests such as Charli XCX, and Michelle Yeoh will receive the Honorary Golden Bear, even as several expected studio titles declined slots due to release timing.