Berlin’s coldest month never was an obstacle for the hundreds of people embracing what has become the coolest international festival in Europe. Coolest in temperature but also in character, this city transforms into a playground for film lovers that congregate around Potsdamer Platz like bees in honey. And there is a certain charm, or should I call it euphoria, to be around like-minded people who fly from all over the world to celebrate its 60th birthday. Or at least that is a good excuse.

For both members of the public and industry delegates, Berlinale unquestionably offers plenty of options. To its credit, it is a festival who cares to entertain all ages and groups, with a diverse set of strands: Competition for the mainstream and red carpet followers, Panorama for the slightly offbeat, Forum for those who dear to risk a night at the movies in the likelihood of an experimental discovery (not that often, I am afraid, but keep trying!), plenty of Shorts and films for children and teenagers, Documentaries, Retrospectives…Plus 350+ young and aspiring heartbeats that ponder under its famous Talent Campus umbrella, with inspirational workshops open to the public (Claire Denis’ session is this year’s highlight).

Yes, overwhelming. And try to imagine that if you are accredited and somehow here for ‘business’, then you can also follow the vast number of Press and Market screenings, related conferences, award ceremonies, and drink receptions – not to mention the real parties. For someone suffering from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), I have to say, Berlinale has really turned into an overwhelming experience…

This is my second year here, and I can confirm that - in its massiveness- it is a customer friendly event, where equal opportunities apply (it’s Germany, after all!). Of course you need patience for the long queues, a thick coat and imaginative ways of getting into the right party, but, I guess, the accumulation of young spirits is really a reason to get you motivated. Not to mention Berlin by itself. Wim Wender’s city of angels has changed as much as your mind allows you to. And even if you still find Wings of Desire a more or less boring mumbling of the spiritual (which, by the way, you absolutely shouldn’t), there is no way you won’t be moved by Berlin’s robust energy; the soil here still feels vulnerable, the teardrops have nearly dried, yet, there is culture, joy and warmth within its rigorous geometrical structure. And plenty of films to immerse yourself into…

To be honest, there were a few nights here where I did escape the celluloid dreams to cruise Prenzlauer Berg’s smoky bars and get a glimpse of this city’s characters. To my relief, there is a sparkling life outside the festival’s lights, and the nights are fresh, uncomplicated and fanatically retro. It’s been five days already, but dear Berlin(ale), I want more, more, more, bitte…

Eftihia