10/02/2023 - We spoke to the new head of the Berlinale section dedicated to young filmmakers from Germany and about her approach to this year's programme

German film critic and curator Jenni Zylka has been appointed as the new director of the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section of the Berlinale. She talked with us about her plans for the section and the possibilities to make it more visible on an international level.

Cineuropa: What do you like about the section?
Jenni Zylka: What I always liked about the section is that its profile is precisely defined: Perspektive Deutsches Kino shows only first and second films that are produced in Germany. I also like the fact that a festival that takes place in Germany puts up-and-coming German filmmakers on a pedestal. This gives them the opportunity to be seen internationally, which is otherwise very difficult. I know that a similar concept has recently been introduced in Cannes, which places special emphasis on young talent. I think it's important to think about this and make the effort.

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How can the section get out of its rather marginal position within the Berlinale programme?
We are the smallest section with the smallest team and the smallest selection of films. That brings limitations, but also advantages. There are sixteen films in total, including a core of ten new films. This makes it very easy to see the whole programme. I want moreover to emphasise that we are part of the international programme. That means that we communicate more in English, for example, but I also try to have more screenings for the international press and experts. Incidentally, the film selection itself has a strong international character. The films hardly ever deal with "purely German" stories. That is not important to me either. Film is a universal language. Of course, this section is about showcasing the new generation of filmmakers producing in Germany, but that has nothing to do with the stories they tell.

What sources do you have for selecting the films?
The film schools send us their graduation films. Not all of them make long graduation films, which is why this year I also decided to consider medium-length films to ensure equal treatment of the schools. In addition, first and second features can also be freely submitted. And of course I also ask around about projects that I already knew about.

Did you use a common thread to guide your selection?
The thread came about on its own. First the films touched me and then I thought about why it was like that. I did the pre-selection myself to get an overview. Then I watched and discussed a selection with a committee. What's important about the films is that they have a universal message that could be understood everywhere and that they deal with an urgent, relevant topic. I also tried to include different film languages by having a musical and also a film with an unconventional narrative structure.

Why did you choose Seven Winters in Tehran as the opening film?
It was difficult to choose. I would have liked to choose all the films for it – but there’s only one opening film, of course. And Seven Winters has a great story. It is urgent and emotional without being manipulative. What particularly convinced me is that someone here puts herself completely at the service of the story and doesn't give you the feeling that the author wanted to constantly show what great things she could formally come up with – apart from the fact that she actually comes up with quite a lot of great things. The protagonist and her story lead the film. Then it's also a topic that has to be on the agenda at the moment.

Could you tell us more about the new format "Perspective Match"?
My predecessor had already thought of that, but it could not be realised because of COVID. It's about highlighting the importance of the individual film departments and that film is made by a collective. All the departments come together for this art and, in the best case, always tell their own story through their own department. That's why we have chosen a trade from a few films that particularly convinced us, specifically acting, editing, sound design and music. For each one of them we pair a young and an experienced representative and they will have a discussion.