Berlin-Based Directors Keep Politics Center Stage as Festival Kicks off on Eve of Elections

variety.com:

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent The Berlin Film Festival is historically the most political of all the major film festivals, and this year is no exception.

The 75th edition of the Berlinale unspools amid the turbulent lead-up to Germany’s Feb. 21 general elections that in recent weeks have seen thousands of Germans take to the streets in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party which champions tough new rules pertaining to immigration.

And right on cue, the fest’s opening film, Tom Tykwer‘s “The Light,” depicts a deeply dysfunctional Berlin family that is saved by its Syrian housekeeper.

It’s a “hardcore political” picture, said the director. “The Light” is one of several films in the fest’s official selection that tackle themes pertaining to immigration and are deeply rooted in the city. “Berlin is so unfinished in so many ways: architecturally, socially, politically,” Tykwer noted. “Everything is always in turmoil, always in transition.” Burhan Qurbani, who was born in Germany after his parents moved there as political refugees from Afghanistan, will be premiering his new drama, “No Beast.