The Berlin International Film Festival has selected “Das Licht” (“The Light”), directed by Tom Tykwer, to open its 75th edition. The film will screen out of competition as part of the Berlinale Special Gala section at the Berlinale Palast on February 13, 2025.
This marks the third time Tykwer has opened the festival. His 2002 drama “Heaven” launched the 52nd edition, followed by “The International” in 2009. In a statement, the director said: “I’m over the moon to open next year’s Berlinale with “Das Licht”. The Berlinale is the festival of my life. The city is my destiny. This film is my longing.”
Festival director Tricia Tuttle noted the programming team’s immediate decision to include the film as the opener: “Tom Tykwer finds beauty and joy in our often fractured and challenging world, and magically captures the essence of our modern life on screen.”
A German-French co-production, “Das Licht” centers on a middle-class German family navigating a rapidly shifting world. The cast includes Lars Eidinger and Nicolette Krebitz, alongside Elke Biesendorfer, Julius Gause, and Elyas Eldridge. Tala Al-Deen also stars.
The film was produced by X Filme Creative Pool in collaboration with ZDF, ARP Sélection, Gold Rush Pictures, Gretchenfilm, and B.A. Filmproduktion. German theatrical release is slated for March 20, 2025, via X Verleih. Warner Bros. is handling distribution, with worldwide sales by Beta Cinema.
The 75th Berlinale runs February 13–23 in Berlin.