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Berlin 2025: 10 of the festival's best films, from The Light to Dreams and Islands

Berlin 2025: 10 of the festival's best films, from The Light to Dreams and Islands

Right from the off, there was heavy snow on the streets and a chill wind blowing through the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
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Politics has often dominated this particular cinematic gathering, and this year was no different. On the opening night, jury head Todd Haynes bashed US President Donlad Trump and honorary Golden Bear winner Tilda Swinton warned that 'the inhumane is being perpetrated on our watch'.
The spectre of global conflict also loomed large in the selection of films by artistic director Tricia Tuttle.
While the jury's choice of Norwegian film
Dreams (Sex Love) as the Golden Bear winner was not politically motivated, the Berlinale reminded us that festivals are prime platforms to inspire debate.
Producers Yngve Saether (left) and Hege Hauff Hvattum and director and screenwriter Dag Johan Haugerud (centre) with the Golden Bear for best film for Dreams (Sex Love) at the Berlin film festival. Photo: AFP
Here are 10 of the best films screened at this year's festival.
1. Queerpanorama
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