@berlinale

The @worldcinemafund has just announced 395,000 Euros worth of funding recommendations for 14 film projects from across the world. A great sign that cinema is alive and kicking – even in these difficult times. Congratulations to the recipients! Check out the jury's selection on the WCF website.

Berlinale Directors Mariette Rissenbeek & Carlo Chatrian pay tribute to Ennio Morricone, who passed away at the age of 91 today: "In his long and successful career, Ennio Morricone has shaped scores that hold a unique place in the history of cinema. Highly recognisable in his style and with great skill, he created a body of work that is an enduring tribute to his love for classical music." 🖤

"As life is returning to German cinemas once again, we are excited that many films are now continuing or finally starting their journeys through movie theatres across the country. And we are hopeful that these past months have reminded us about their importance. Indeed, we saw how people rallied around their cinemas and how numerous initiatives sprung up in support of them all over the world. This has proved that they are a cherished cornerstone of our cultural and social life. Where possible, let us return to them. Together and safely." Berlinale Directors Mariette Rissenbeek & Carlo Chatrian

Legendary French director Claude Chabrol would have been 90 today. He received the Golden Bear in 1959 for "Les cousins" and was awarded the prestigious Berlinale Camera for his lifetime achievement in 2009. What's your favourite Chabrol film? .

Happy birthday to Frances McDormand! The two-time Academy Award winner was the President of the International Jury in 2004. Good memories!

Like so many of you, especially those of you in Berlin, we are so sad to hear about the reported plans to close Berlin's historic cinema. . "Every closure of a cinema is a loss. However, shutting down a movie theatre with such a long and distinguished history would seem like a particularly grave decision, not just for Berlin's cultural landscape at large but also for us as a festival. The Berlinale is inextricably tied to its cinemas, as they are the places where we come together as a community. Therefore, we still hope that in 2021, the Colosseum will once again welcome the Berlinale visitors, just as it has done for so many years now." Directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian . The Colosseum opened as a cinema in 1924. In the 1950s and 60s, it was used as the main cinema for major premieres in East Germany. After the German reunification, it was completely refurbished by producer and Berlinale Camera recipient and has been part of Berlinale's cinema family for many years. 🖤

Happy 40th birthday, Sibel Kekilli! The German actor played the lead in Fatih Akin's Golden Bear-winning film "Gegen die Wand" in 2004 and has since become one of the most recognizable German actors. We wish her a wonderful day.

We know that this isn't done with one post. But we do want to show our solidarity in this particular moment. Feel welcome to share your thoughts on how we can help each other beyond today.

Happy 90th birthday, .

Very sad to hear of the passing of Silver Bear-winner Irm Hermann. Our Artistic Director @Carlo.Chatrian remembers the renowned actor in a personal statement: “In the Fassbinder family Irm Hermann occupied a special place, which was larger than her roles. And even though she will stay forever in my mind as the silent Marlene in ‘The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant’, it’s her role in the universe of Fassbinder that I’m thinking of today. Irm Hermann was more than an actress: she was a confidante, a muse and a partner in crime. Her performance in ‘Joan of Arc of Mongolia’ by Ulrike Ottinger is a further evidence of her skills and versatility.”

We are saddened to hear of the passing of German actor Renate Krößner. Her unforgettable portrayal of singer Sunny in "Solo Sunny" earned her a Silver Bear at the 1980 Berlinale. She will be missed. ößner

Happy birthday, ! The director, producer, screenwriter, composer and former President of the International Jury turns 55 today. We wish him a wonderful day.