Berlinale’s new era: A fresh selection committee under Tricia Tuttle
The Berlin Film Festival, a cornerstone of the international cinema landscape, is embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Tricia Tuttle. This marks a significant transition as Tuttle takes the reins from her predecessors, Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek. With a fresh vision and a dynamic team, the festival is poised to continue its legacy while embracing new perspectives.
Meet the new selection committee
The newly appointed selection committee is a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh voices, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Let’s delve into the profiles of these key players:
Mathilde Henrot
Mathilde Henrot is a programmer, producer, and co-founder of Festival Scope. Her extensive experience includes serving on the selection committee of the Locarno Film Festival from 2018 to 2024 and programming for the Sarajevo Film Festival since 2012. Henrot’s deep understanding of the festival circuit and her keen eye for emerging talent make her an invaluable asset to the Berlinale team.
Jessica Kiang
Jessica Kiang is a Berlin-based film critic, essayist, and programmer. With nearly 15 years of experience in film criticism, Kiang has been a prominent voice in the industry. Since 2022, she has also served as the international programmer for the Belfast Film Festival. Her critical acumen and global perspective will undoubtedly enrich the Berlinale’s selection process.
Jacqueline Nsiah
Jacqueline Nsiah is a film festival, art, and culture consultant based in Accra, Ghana. With a background as a project manager at the Goethe-Institut, Nsiah joined the Berlinale selection committee in 2023. Her expertise in cultural consultancy and festival management brings a diverse and inclusive approach to the committee.
Elad Samorzik
Elad Samorzik is a seasoned film programmer who served as the artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival from 2014 to 2024. His decade-long tenure in Jerusalem has equipped him with a profound understanding of the cinematic landscape, making him a key player in the Berlinale’s new direction.
A vision for the future
Tricia Tuttle, known for her progressive approach, aims to elevate the Berlinale to rival the likes of Cannes and Venice while maintaining its unique flair for arthouse cinema. “Berlinale welcomes nearly 20,000 international professionals each year, while also attracting over 324,000 public admissions,” Tuttle remarked. Her vision is to introduce films locally that will resonate globally, emphasizing the vibrant and vital nature of cinema as an art form.
Building a diverse team
One of Tuttle’s primary goals was to assemble a team with extensive knowledge, networks, and diverse tastes. “This group brings a generous love of diverse forms of cinema and an excitement about sharing that passion,” she noted. The committee, co-chaired by Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stütz, will be responsible for selecting films for the prestigious Golden and Silver Bears, as well as the Berlinale Special Presentations.
Expanding the horizons
The committee’s responsibilities extend beyond the main competition. They will also select films for the new Perspectives section, which focuses on the Best First Feature Award and nominations for the Best Documentary Award. This expansion aims to highlight emerging voices and innovative storytelling in the cinematic world.
Advisors and delegates
The selection committee will be supported by a group of delegates and advisors, each bringing specialized expertise to the table:
- Jin Park, a film critic and programmer, will advise on genre films.
- Rowan Woods, a programmer, will contribute to the general preselection.
- Ana David, a Berlin-based curator and programmer, will offer her insights.
- Kate Taylor, a Glasgow-based film programmer and festival organizer, will provide her expertise.
- Rabih El-Khoury, a Berlin-based curator, will lend his perspective.
- Toby Ashraf, a journalist and curator, will be involved in the general preselection.
Embracing the journey
As the Berlinale embarks on this new journey, the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse and vibrant cinema remains unwavering. The new selection committee, under Tuttle’s leadership, is poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling to the forefront. For cinema enthusiasts, this promises an exciting and enriching experience, as the Berlinale continues to be a beacon of cinematic excellence.
For more information on the Berlinale and to explore the trailers of the selected films, visit the Berlinale website.
This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the new selection committee of the Berlinale, highlighting the expertise and vision of its members. By integrating personal reflections and detailed analysis, it offers a comprehensive perspective for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.