Berlin Film Festival 2026: Star-Studded Indie Line-Up Revealed
Berlin’s 2026 film festival unveils a diverse slate of 22 independent films, with big names like Channing Tatum and Amy Adams, but not a single major studio production in sight.
The curtain has been lifted on the full selection for the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, and this year’s offering is set to keep cinephiles on their toes. The event, which runs from 12 to 22 February, has once again sidestepped the glitz of Hollywood blockbusters, instead championing a roster of independent films. Yet, the absence of major studios hasn’t deterred a host of well-known faces from gracing the screen.
Among the most anticipated entries is Josephine, directed by Beth de Araújo. Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan take centre stage as parents determined to seek justice after their daughter witnesses a crime. The film promises a tense, emotional ride, with Tatum and Chan navigating the murky aftermath of a traumatic event.
Elsewhere, the satirical Rosebush Pruning is set to make its debut, boasting a cast that reads like a who’s who of contemporary cinema. Callum Turner, Riley Keough, and Elle Fanning join forces with Pamela Anderson, Jamie Bell, and Lukas Gage, portraying a family grappling with uncomfortable truths following the loss of their mother. The film’s darkly comic tone is expected to strike a chord with festival audiences.
Independent Spirit Takes Centre Stage
Festival director Tricia Tuttle and her team have assembled a competition line-up that spans genres from drama to satire, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
“We are so confident in the charms of these 22 films that we say defiantly: If you don’t find something here to love, you don’t love cinema!”
Tuttle declared, not mincing her words as she introduced the selection.
What’s particularly striking this year is the total absence of big studio fare. Every film in the main competition is an independent production, a move that underscores Berlin’s reputation for prioritising artistic vision over commercial appeal. The festival’s organisers seem quite content to let the blockbusters chase their own limelight elsewhere.
Contenders for the Golden Bear
Among the films tipped for the coveted Golden Bear is At the Sea, directed by Kornél Mundruczó. Amy Adams stars alongside Dan Levy in a story that follows a former dancer forced to confront her past after a spell in rehab. Adams’s performance is already generating buzz, with many expecting a raw, nuanced portrayal.
Also drawing attention is Michael, the latest project from Markus Schleinzer. Sandra Hüller, fresh from her Oscar-nominated turn in Anatomy of a Fall, leads the cast in a drama set in the 17th century, exploring transgender identity in a period rarely depicted on screen. The film’s historical setting and bold subject matter are likely to provoke discussion long after the credits roll.
Festival Highlights and Notable Names
With a line-up that includes 22 films and a ten-day run, the festival promises a packed schedule for attendees. The organisers have made it clear: this year’s focus is firmly on independent voices, with a deliberate move away from the mainstream. The presence of stars like Tatum, Adams, and Turner ensures that, even without the backing of major studios, the festival remains a magnet for talent and attention.
As Berlin prepares to welcome filmmakers and audiences from around the world, the 2026 edition looks set to reinforce the city’s status as a haven for bold, original cinema. Whether you’re after gripping drama, biting satire, or something altogether unexpected, this year’s festival line-up is unlikely to disappoint.