Berlinale Talents is a well-established talent development program among filmmakers in Sri Lanka, with many Sri Lankan filmmakers having participated in the program over the past couple of decades.
Berlinale Talents explores the ‘how and why’ of filmmaking. Since its inception in 2003, it has grown to become a unique forum for film professionals and cinema lovers alike, featuring public talks, discipline-specific workshops, project development labs and networking events.
This year’s Berlinale Talents kicked off on February 15, just two days after the grand opening of the Berlin International Film Festival. As a first-time attendee of the Berlin International Film Festival, I was struck by the energy in the air, with 200 talented filmmakers from around the globe gathered to find their place in cinema and share their unique stories.
Fitting backdrop
Talent Niza Jay asking a question at Tilda Swintons surprise visit to The 2025 Edition: Take-Off © Jack Hare, Berlinale 2025
Coming from a warm climate with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, stepping into Berlin’s frosty minus 8 to 10 degrees was a true shock to the system, making the experience of pitching our stories even more challenging. The event took place in the HAU building, known as one of the most respected and well-connected international production houses—a fitting backdrop for such a diverse and talented group of creators. Despite the cold, the passion and determination of everyone involved created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made it clear we were all in this together, each hoping to be heard in the world of cinema.
This year’s Berlinale Talents is particularly significant for Sri Lanka, as Bhavaneedha Loganathan made history by winning the Berlinale Talents Mastercard Enablement Program, aimed at empowering marginalised voices.
Although there have been numerous Sri Lankan filmmakers participating in Berlinale Talents, this is the first time a Sri Lankan filmmaker has won a cash prize under the special category of the Berlinale Talents Mastercard Enablement Program. Upon winning the award, Bhavaneedha expressed her joy in an interview with the Sunday Observer, and said, “It was years of hard work and commitment and it’s truly a journey of understanding my own self, where I come from, my own barriers and expertise. This process taught me how to tell your own story selflessly and authentically.”
The Berlinale Talents Mastercard Enablement Program is designed for Berlinale Talents alumni and provides selected fellows with mentoring, financial support, and public awareness for their film-related initiatives, networks, or platforms that contribute to their local communities in an inclusive and impactful way.
Empowering marginalised women
Tobias Pausinger, Tilda Swinton and João Pedro Prado in front of HAU 2 © Jack Hare, Berlinale 2025
Speaking about the winning project she organised, Bhavaneedha said, “The Big Eyes Talents Short Film Lab 2025 is an initiative aimed at empowering marginalised women filmmakers in Sri Lanka, particularly from the Tamil plantation community. In an industry that is often dominated by men and steeped in patriarchal norms, this lab serves as a vital platform for these women to amplify their voices through storytelling. My mission is to uncover untold narratives and showcase the richness of Tamil plantation culture, fostering diversity and inclusion within Sri Lankan cinema.”
Through the lab, Bhavaneedha is dedicated to supporting filmmakers by helping them develop their short film projects, offering mentorship in scriptwriting, direction, and production, and providing tools to overcome the barriers they face in the industry. The initiative also focuses on building a collaborative network by connecting local talent with international filmmakers, enriching both local and global perspectives.
“The Mastercard Enablement Programme plays a crucial role in providing the necessary financial support for equipment, workshops, and production processes, ensuring the sustainability and growth of these filmmakers’ careers. Through this project, my goal isn’t just to equip aspiring filmmakers with the tools and knowledge they need; I am striving to foster a new wave of female-led cinema that challenges industry norms. Through this initiative, I aim to create a lasting impact, empowering women filmmakers to produce art that speaks to their communities and resonates globally, ensuring that their voices are not just heard but celebrated,” Bhavaneedha added.
The jury justified their selection of the BIG EYES SHORT FILM LAB 2025, led by Bhavaneedha Loganathan from Sri Lanka, citing its unique blend of innovative film promotion, practical training, and global networking opportunities. They said that the project not only contributes to diversity and inclusion within Sri Lankan cinema but also plays a vital role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. The jury emphasised the importance of film as a cultural preservative, asserting that artistes and filmmakers are crucial to the understanding, development and future of a free society.
They hailed the initiative as groundbreaking and deserving of support, highlighting its potential to leverage the power of film to drive social change and bring marginalised stories to the forefront.
At Berlinale Talents 2025, themed ‘Listen Courageously – Cinematic Narratives in Times of Dissonance’, participants were invited to immerse themselves in a six-day exploration of diverse stories and collaborative creativity. Esteemed filmmaker Todd Haynes, the International Jury President, highlighted the essence of attentive listening in storytelling, adding, “Listening courageously is not just a skill; it’s the backbone of impactful cinema.”
Language and representation
Nikola Joetze, Tobias Pausinger, Tricia Tuttle and Tom Tykwer at the Berlinale Talents: Opening Ceremony. Copyright: Peter Himsel, Berlinale 2025
This sentiment was echoed by Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, who spoke passionately about the importance of language and representation, saying, “Cinema is our voice; it carries the weight of our culture and narratives.” The Festival showcased a rich array of public talks, featuring prominent voices including sound designer Rana Eid, who delved into the power of sound in capturing the essence of conflict. With panels like the TEDDY Talents Talks, which fostered dialogue on artistic boundaries and personal journeys, Berlinale Talents proved to be a dynamic space for filmmakers to unite, listen, and reshape the future of cinema.
In addition to Bhavaneedha Loganathan, three other filmmakers have been recognised for their innovative projects. Kit Hung’s initiative, “Stories in Safe Hand: Building Resilience Through Secure Filmmaking Practices,” focuses on supporting filmmakers in vulnerable situations by providing essential training, tools and knowledge to safeguard their work and well-being.
The project aims to address gaps in secure practices and foster a resilient community for sustainable storytelling. Carlos Ormeño Palma’s “TranStories” is a transdisciplinary lab designed for members of the trans community in Peru, offering a safe space for self-expression through art and film, and aiming to combat discrimination through creative workshops. With the Mastercard Enablement Programme’s support, he intends to expand his outreach and organise travelling exhibitions to amplify marginalised voices. Finally, Laura Bermúdez leads ‘Tercer Cine’, a collective space in Honduras dedicated to the exhibition, promotion, and creation of cinema.
The initiative seeks to explore new ways of connecting with audiences and emphasizes post-screening discussions at its core. With the backing of Mastercard, Tercer Cine aims to solidify its role as a key player in alternative film exhibition in the region.
The Berlinale Talents Team at the Berlinale Talents: Opening Ceremony © Peter Himsel, Berlinale 2025
Tobias Pausinger and Tilda Swinton talking at her surprise visit to The 2025 Edition: Take-Off © Jack Hare, Berlinale 2025
