Cinema Scope – Berlin Film Festival 2013

The Berlin Film Festival or the Berlinale, as it is better known in the international glamour circles, is a grand annual celebration of international cinema in all its poignancy, beauty and creativity. A once in a lifetime experience, this 10-day festival held every year in February,  is the Mecca for film buffs across the globe and gives them a chance to rub shoulders with their onscreen idols as they walk the proverbial red carpet. In its 63^rd year now, the Berlinale is one of the most important events in the international film industry’s calendar. This year’s festival is scheduled to be held from February 7^th to 17^th. Held in Berlin, Germany’s cultural hub, it holds the largest public viewing of over 400 films ranging from the avant garde to films from budding artists and experimental cinema. Classified in to six categories, viewers can get a taste of all kinds of films. For instance, while Competition features movies from international movie makers, the independent art houses vie for the prestigious Golden Bear and Silver Bear awards under Panorama; other categories include Generation and Berlinale Special, which focus on young talent and new and adventurous cinema respectively. Films are screened not only at the Berlinale Palast at Potsdamer Platz and the well-known Friedrichstadt Palast revue theatre, but also at various premiere cinemas across Berlin. Along with the films, come a whole bouquet of other activities and events. The Berlinale is a perfect platform for budding talent and young filmmakers and enthusiasts can make this an insightful and educative trip by enrolling for one of the many workshops and lectures that are held alongside. There is also a fair called the European Film Market, a perfect film merchant’s haven where producers, financers and distributors get their fill of cinematic tradeoffs. The shopaholics can feast their eyes and burn  holes in their pockets at the Berlinale Shop, which stocks up on a variety of related merchandise including T-shirts, mugs and other souvenirs that feature the well-known Golden Bear. European Escapade Interestingly, this film festival can also become the perfect excuse for that European rendezvous you have been saving for. Making a pit stop at Berlin will not only acquaint you with this breathtaking cinematic experience, but also present an ideal opportunity to explore the city’s many hidden treasures. These include ostentatious palaces, stunning parks and lakes, museums and of course the sumptuous German sausages, intoxicating beers and lager and the delectable black forest cake! Travelers looking for an extraordinary experience can head farther afield to places like Uckermark, otherwise known as the Tuscany of the north. Those keen to make this trip a memorable experience must make their bookings well in advance – the event hosts an outrageous crowd of international tourists – over four million people – and there’s only so many people a city can house. Most bookings for tickets for films and other related cultural activities can be done online. What are you waiting for? It’s time for some “action”!