Berlin Film Festival 2026: New Events & Highlights

Berlin Film Festival 2026 to Spotlight Animation, Expand into New Media

The Berlin International Film Festival is poised for a significant expansion in 2026, introducing a series of new initiatives designed to bolster the European film industry and embrace emerging multimedia opportunities. The festival, one of the oldest and most respected film events in Europe, will focus on diversity and innovation when it runs from February 12 to 22, 2026.

A New Focus on Animation

A key component of the 2026 festival will be the launch of EFM Animation Days, a three-day program dedicated to the global animation industry. This collaboration between the European Film Market (EFM) and the renowned Annecy International Animated Film Festival aims to connect animation creators, studios, producers, buyers, sponsors, and intellectual property partners. EFM Animation Days will run from February 12 to 14, 2026, and will feature presentations, workshops, research opportunities, curated showcases, and vital networking events.

Did you know? – The Berlin International film Festival was first held in 1951, as a response to the political climate and a desire to showcase films from around the world.

the EFM, a crucial program within the Berlin Film Festival, serves as a central hub for connecting and promoting film projects across Europe. Further enhancing the animation focus, annecy will partner wiht the organizers of the International Film Market (MIFA) to curate the Annecy Animation Showcase EFM, presenting several ongoing animation projects expected to debut in the latter half of 2026.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Film

Recognizing the evolving landscape of entertainment, the EFM 2026 will also introduce EFM Beyond. This program is specifically designed for producers and will explore collaborative opportunities spanning film,animation,video games,and other multimedia platforms. According to a senior official, EFM Beyond is intended to “generate additional revenue by expanding intellectual property across multiple media platforms.”

Pro tip: Networking is key at events like EFM. Prepare a concise pitch about your project and actively seek out relevant contacts.

The festival will also support emerging talent and investment with the EFM startup Program, showcasing innovative business projects, and the EFM investor Forum, bringing together financial leaders to discuss both public and private financing options.

A comprehensive Program for Industry Professionals

Beyond these headline initiatives, EFM 2026 will offer a robust program for industry professionals, including:

• EFM Frontières Focus: Showcasing film projects currently seeking financing or in production.
• Berlin Film School Conference: Providing 100 students, directors, and producers with access to EFM and Berlinale Pro services.
• EFM Far East in Progress: Highlighting Asian films in post-production.
• Berlin Film Market: Dedicated to television productions.
• Intensive classes and workshops on global filmmaking techniques.

Reader question: What challenges do you foresee for independent animators trying to navigate a market increasingly focused on multimedia expansion?

“EFM Animation Days is an critically important new initiative, which aims to support a vrey creative and dynamic field: animation,” stated Tanja Meissner, Director of Berlinale Pro, the group overseeing all events at the Berlin Film Festival and its related programs. “This is a field where Europe offers adequate and diverse resources, ready for export.”

The Berlin film Festival’s commitment to innovation a