Celebrating Cinema: Berlinale 2024 Opening Gala and Premiere of "Small Things Like These"

©berlinale

On February 15, the glittering lights of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival will illuminate the Berlinale Palast, marking the commencement of a cinematic extravaganza. The Opening Gala will be graced by Minister of State for Culture and the Media Claudia Roth, Governing Mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner, and this year's esteemed Jury President Lupita Nyong’o, accompanied by Festival Directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian

Introduction of International Jury The Opening Gala will be the stage for introducing the International Jury, adding an air of anticipation to the festival. Hosted by Hadnet Tesfai and Jo Schück, the evening promises to be a celebration of talent and creativity.

The grandeur of the event will be broadcast on ZDF/3sat from 7.20 pm, allowing cinephiles worldwide to witness the excitement. The livestream will bring the red carpet glamour and the spirit of the festival directly to audiences.

Following the Opening Gala, attendees will be treated to the world premiere of "Small Things Like These," a film in competition. Director Tim Mielants, producers Matt Damon, Alan Moloney, Catherine Magee, Drew Vinton, and the talented cast, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Eileen Walsh, and Zara Devlin, will introduce the film, promising an evening of cinematic brilliance.

The red carpet will be graced not only by the International Jury but also by members of the Encounters jury, the GWFF Best First Feature Award jury, the Berlinale Documentary Award jury, and the Generation International Jury, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie among the film industry's finest.

As the Berlinale unfolds, the opening festivities set the stage for a fortnight of cinematic exploration, artistic brilliance, and the celebration of storytelling from around the globe. The red carpet will be aglow with stars, filmmakers, and cinephiles, all coming together to revel in the magic of cinema.