All our Christmases have come at once: not only are the city’s open-air cinemas open again but the Berlinale is back for its second half (09–20.06.2021). The March festival was only open to industry professionals, and so to make up for it organizers are letting regular Berliners get involved with a Summer Special program of outdoor screenings. The films are being screened at Yorck cinema venues including the Arte Sommerkino at the Kulturforum on Potsdamer Platz and at Schloss Charlottenburg. From epic Hollywood flicks to highly political documentaries and humorous arthouse releases, this year’s programme has the usual variety we know and love. To get you in the festival mood here’s a few highlights from the lineup. First up is Kajillionaire, a coming-of-age story of a different kind which sees the daughter of two criminal parents introduced to the mysterious Melanie, who turns their world upside down. Directed by multimedia artist Miranda July, the sad yet funny crime drama is set in a parallel version of the USA.
Next, Luca Lucchesi’s documentary A Black Jesus offers a critical look at Europe’s refugee policy as played out in the staunchly Catholic village of Siculiana in southern Sicily. 19-year-old Ghanaian migrant Edward asks to carry a revered local statue of a black Jesus at an annual procession, a request that splits the local community. Next up, Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-winning Danish comedy Another Round tells the story of four disillusioned teachers who challenge themselves to drink alcohol every day. With selections like these, we are reminded of just what we’ve been missing in the past months: engaging, exciting and stirring big-screen entertainment. We look forward to balmy evenings under the summer sky!
Text: Hanna Komornitzyk / Credit: Yorck Kinogruppe; Laura Nyhuis; Faraz Fesharaki & DFFB; O Verde do Jardim; Juliette Barrat & L’Endroit; Superfilm / Stills: Azor; Mantagheye payanir; Ras vkhedavt, rodesac cas vukurebt; Si t’as un coeur; Luz de Presença & Ich und die Anderen
Berlinale Summer Special (09–20.06.2021) takes place outdoors. You can find the complete program online. Advance ticket sales start on 03.06.2021 at 10h.