February is a special month for filmmakers around the world — it’s when one of the most important international film festivals takes place: Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
In our (slightly subjective) opinion, Berlinale has always been more about business and meaningful meetings than just a “beautiful picture” on the red carpet.
Before every film market, a producers’ team prepares intensely: reaching out to potential partners, scheduling meetings, planning each day almost hour by hour.
In 2025, we presented our series “8 Billion.”
This year, our focus was just as important — meetings with producers with whom we’re about to launch new projects very soon.
Because festivals and film markets exist first and foremost for networking, conversations, and real collaboration.
Berlinale is not only about films and the European Film Market. It’s also about major events, panel discussions, presentations, pitch sessions, producers’ hubs, labs — and of course, the parties (invitation only ).
Fun fact: not every filmmaker even flies to Berlin with accreditation. For those who’ve been in the industry for years, it’s not essential. Meetings happen in nearby cafés or hotel lobbies — sometimes that’s where the real deals are made.
Berlinale, like many top-tier festivals, is a space for information. This is where industry trends are shaped and discussed — where conversations about direction, legislation, opportunities, and financing happen. Just by looking at the festival program, you can already sense where the industry is heading for the year ahead.
And a year later — new trends, new shifts, and it all begins again.
We’re coming back from Berlin with new connections, fresh inspiration, and a clear feeling that DRYM is moving in the right direction.
And of course — this is only the beginning.
