Berlin Festival Concludes
Set against the backdrop of contemporary political repression in Turkey, the film portrays a playwright couple struggling to preserve their existence. Yellow Letters received particular praise for its distinctive cinematic language. Although shot in Germany, the film uniquely uses the name of a Turkish city in its title card—an artistic choice that adds symbolic depth. The win marks a significant and symbolic achievement, as it is the first time in 22 years that a German-Turkish filmmaker has claimed the Golden Bear.
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival concluded on Sunday following days of discussion, criticism, and controversy. The festival’s highest honor, the Golden Bear, was awarded to Yellow Letters, directed by German-Turkish filmmaker Ilker Çatak. The award was presented by jury president and acclaimed filmmaker Wim Wenders.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary political repression in Turkey, the film portrays a playwright couple struggling to preserve their existence. Yellow Letters received particular praise for its distinctive cinematic language. Although shot in Germany, the film uniquely uses the name of a Turkish city in its title card—an artistic choice that adds symbolic depth. The win marks a significant and symbolic achievement, as it is the first time in 22 years that a German-Turkish filmmaker has claimed the Golden Bear.
During the award ceremony, Wenders described the film as creating “a powerful cinematic language of empathy and humanity in opposition to authoritarianism.”
The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, the festival’s second-highest honor, went to Turkish director Emin Alper for Salvation. Inspired by a real incident in Turkey’s Kurdish region, the film explores ethnic conflict and symbolically references the Palestinian issue. Accepting the award, Alper addressed Palestinians in Gaza, saying, “You are not alone,” drawing strong applause from the audience.
The Jury Prize, the third-highest award, was presented to American filmmaker Lance Hammer for his family drama Queen at Sea.
Other major categories also delivered notable moments. British filmmaker Grant Gee won Best Director, while German actress Sandra Hüller received the gender-neutral Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance.
