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The 2026 Berlin Film Festival is officially underway in Germany, kicking off with a premiere of Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat’s film, No Good Men. The festival, a major event in the international film calendar, will run through February 22nd and showcase a diverse range of cinematic works.

A Star-Studded Lineup

This year’s festival boasts a lineup of highly anticipated world premieres. Audiences can expect to see new films featuring prominent actors including Amy Adams in At the Sea, Sandra Hüller in Rose, and Juliette Binoche, Tom Courtenay, and Florence Hunt in Queen at Sea. Rosebush Pruning, starring Callum Turner and Riley Keough, is also set to debut.

Did You Know? Shahrbanoo Sadat is both the director and screenwriter of the opening-night film, No Good Men.

The festival’s opening film, No Good Men, is part of the World Dramatic Competition section. According to Deadline’s initial assessment, the film initially presents a lighthearted tone but quickly shifts to explore darker themes related to unrest in Afghanistan.

The cast of No Good Men includes Shahrbanoo Sadat, Anwar Hashimi, Yasin Negah, Masihullah Tajzai, Torkan Omari, and Fatima Hassani. Deadline notes the film, despite its modest production, demonstrates a remarkable level of intelligence and impact.

Expert Insight: Film festivals like Berlin serve as crucial platforms for independent and international cinema, often launching films and careers that might not find mainstream distribution otherwise. The selection of No Good Men as the opening film signals a commitment to showcasing diverse voices and challenging narratives.

The festival is also hosting a gala event and red carpet premiere, as documented in a related gallery. A tribute to Michelle Yeoh, led by Sean Baker, marked the festival’s opening. Berlin’s festival head, Tricia Tuttle, has emphasized the importance of aligning the festival’s selection with the interests of the film market.

Early reports indicate some logistical challenges, with passport control queues at the Berlin airport causing delays on the first day of the festival. However, these issues are not expected to significantly impact the overall event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What film opened the 2026 Berlin Film Festival?

No Good Men, directed and written by Shahrbanoo Sadat, served as the opening-night film.

Who stars in Queen at Sea?

Queen at Sea stars Juliette Binoche, Tom Courtenay, and Florence Hunt.

What is Deadline’s initial impression of No Good Men?

Deadline describes No Good Men as a “super-smart production” that “punches way above its weight,” initially appearing lighthearted before taking a dark turn.

As the Berlin Film Festival unfolds, will the films presented reflect broader global conversations and artistic trends?