Berlin International Film Festival postpones program due to Covid-19

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Berlin International Film Festival is postponing its screening program and an edition divided into two parts (March and June) in order to minimize health risks.

Known as the Berlinale, the festival, which was scheduled from February 11 to 21, 2021, will take place in March in a virtual format limited to film professionals, and will be attended later by audiences in June.

The directors of the festival ratified their decision, which was a well-known secret over the last few weeks, after authorities from the German city-state realized that this event could not be held face-to-face due to the pandemic situation.

For this edition, the festival proposes the awarding of prizes regardless of gender, thus the categories of best actor and actress were unified, and the award to the best performance will be granted in its place, which means a neutral stance.

This controversial decision stipulates the awarding of the Silver Bear to the best leading and supporting performance, while it seeks greater acknowledgement of non-gender distinction in the film industry.

In that sense, the Berlinale will be the first great international European film event to make history by changing its award on the basis of male and female acting, both categories among the most sought-after since 1956.