The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, has announced its selections for the 75th edition, taking place from 13 to 23 February 2025. This year’s Berlinale programme features a diverse range of African projects, showcasing the continent’s film industry.
The selected African films going to this year’s Berlinale include Egypt’s Akher Youm (The Last Day); Senegal-Morocco-France co-production Ne réveillez pas l’enfant qui dort (Don’t Wake the Sleeping Child); Democratic Republic of the Congo-USA collaboration Mikuba (Cobalt); Egypt-Saudi Arabia’s Daye: Seret Ahl El Daye (The Tale of Daye’s Family); and Sudan-UK-Germany-Qatar co-production Khartoum.
Below are the synopses of African African Projects At The 2025 Berlin Film Festival
Akher Youm (The Last Day)
Directed by Mahmoud Ibrahim, Mohamed Mahmoud, and Ziad Reda, the film follows brothers Ziad and Moody as they spend their final day in their family home, slated for demolition. As they move furniture outside, the brothers seek distraction by watching TV, only to be confronted with news of the demolition of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem.
Ne réveillez pas l’enfant qui dort (Don’t Wake the Sleeping Child)
Directed by a collaborative team of filmmakers, including Kevin Aubert, Khadia Ndiaye Fall, Mama Sané, Samba Ly, and Adji Mareme Hanne, the film follows 15-year-old Diamant, a young girl from Dakar who harbours a passion for filmmaking. However, her family has other plans for her, which Diamant vehemently opposes.
As she grapples with the weight of expectation, Diamant retreats into a deep sleep, shutting out the world around her.
Mikuba (Cobalt)
Directed by Petna Ndaliko Katondolo, the film follows Mama Leonece, a strong-willed individual, as she navigates the complex web of multinational corporations vying for control of the lucrative cobalt trade.
As Mama Leonece confronts the brutal conditions and exploitation faced by artisanal miners, she begins to question the true cost of the green energy revolution.
Daye: Seret Ahl El Daye (The Tale of Daye’s Family)
Directed by a collective of filmmakers, including Karim El Shenawy, Aseel Omran, Badr Mohamed, Islam Mobarak, Haneen Saeed, and Mohamed Mounir, the film tells the story of Daye, a 14-year-old Nubian albino with a remarkable singing talent.
Growing up, Daye has had to navigate the challenges of being different, but his love for music and his idol, Mohamed Mounir, drive him to pursue his dreams. When Daye and his family embark on a journey from their Nubian village to Cairo, they are filled with hope and determination. Daye’s ultimate goal is to audition for the popular TV show “The Voice”, and the film follows their journey as they face various obstacles and discover the true power of family and community.
Khartoum
Directed by a team of filmmakers, including Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy, Timeea M Ahmed, Phil Cox, Khadmallah, Majdi, Jawad, Lokain, and Wilson, Khartoum follows a civil servant, a tea lady, a resistance committee volunteer, and two street boys as they are forced to flee their homes and navigate the treacherous landscape of war.
Through their journeys, the film paints a lyrical and poignant portrait of hope, resilience, and the human cost of conflict.
About the Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival, one of Europe’s big film festivals, is set to take place in Berlin, Germany, from 13 to 23 February 2025. Founded in 1951, the festival has evolved into a premier event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
This year’s edition marks a milestone, as American filmmaker Todd Haynes assumes the role of Jury President for the main competition. Additionally, Tricia Tuttle will make her debut as the festival’s artistic director, following the departure of Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek in 2024.
The Berlinale will showcase approximately 400 films across multiple venues in Berlin, primarily in and around Potsdamer Platz. The festival’s programming is divided into nine sections, spanning various cinematic genres, with around twenty films competing for top honours in the Competition section. As the Berlinale celebrates its 75th anniversary, film enthusiasts from around the world are expected to flock in to witness the global film coverage.
