6 co-productions to represent Luxembourg at the Berlinale 2025
La Cache, Reflection in a dead diamond and Timestamp have been selected for the Official Competition, while Confidente and Der Kuss des Grashüpfers can be found in the Panorama and Forum sections of the 75e edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, from 13 to 23 February.
Official competition (the main section of the festival which awards the prestigious prizes including the Golden Bear and Silver Bears):
1) The Safe House* directed by Swiss filmmaker Lionel Baier, is a co-production between Luxembourg (RED LION), Switzerland and France. The actor Michel Blanc, who died in October 2024, plays his last role in the film.
Synopsis: Christophe, aged 10, lived through the events of May 68 hidden away at his grandparents' house, surrounded by his uncles and great-grandmother, all bivouacked around a mysterious hideout. Adapted from Christophe Boltanski's novel La Cache, which tells the true story of his family.
2) Reflection in a diamond death (Reflection in a dead diamond)*, co-directed by French couple Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, is a co-production between Luxembourg (LES FILMS FAUVES), Belgium, Italy and France.
Synopsis: John D, a septuagenarian living in a luxury hotel on the Côte d'Azur, is intrigued by his room-mate, who reminds him of the Riviera's wildest days in the 1960s. Back then, he was a spy in a world that was booming and full of promise. One day, this neighbour mysteriously disappears... and brings John face to face with his demons: are his old adversaries back to wreak havoc on his idyllic world?
3) Timestamp* (documentary film) by Ukrainian director Kateryna Gornostai is a co-production between Luxembourg (a_BAHN), Ukraine, the Netherlands and France.
Synopsis: In Ukraine, keeping schools open is an act of resistance, an attempt to regain a semblance of normality, that of before the war - before 24 February 2022, and in some regions, before 2014. Without resorting to interviews, narration or re-enactments, Timestamp delves into the raw reality of the war, revealing its impact on the daily lives of pupils and teachers. Constructed like a mosaic, the film explores the workings of schools, both online and face-to-face, in extreme conditions, both on the front line and behind it, where ordinary life coexists with omnipresent danger.
4) Kontinental '25 by Romanian director Radu Jude is an international co-production (Romania, Brazil, Switzerland, UK and Luxembourg), supported by Paul Thiltges Distributions.
Synopsis: Orsolya is a bailiff in Cluj, Transylvania's largest city. One day, she has to evict a homeless man from a cellar, an action with tragic consequences that triggers a moral crisis that Orsolya has to face as best she can.
Panorama section (showcases international auteur films in world or European premieres, non-competitive section):
5) Confidente (Confidant)* co-directed by the Franco-Turkish couple Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, is a co-production between Luxembourg (BIDIBUL PRODUCTIONS), France and Turkey.
Synopsis: Ankara, 1999. Arzu is making a string of high-priced calls in the erotic call centre where she works. When a sudden earthquake hits Istanbul, a young man she was on the phone to is trapped under rubble and begs her to save him. Arzu knows who to call... at the risk of her own life.
Forum section (focuses on essay, political and experimental films, often made by young talent, non-competitive section):
6) Der Kuss des Grashüpfers (The Kiss of the Grasshopper)* directed by Elmar Imanov, is a co-production between Luxembourg (WADY FILMS), Germany and Italy.
Synopsis: Set in a world of magical realism, Bernard, a troubled young man, seeks a rapprochement with his father Carlos, who refuses a life-saving operation. The imminent approach of his father's death forces Bernard to re-evaluate his environment and himself.
*Feature films supported by the Film Fund Luxembourg through selective financial aid or selective financial aid from Cinéworld.
Highlights of the Berlinale 2025 for Luxembourg: presence of the Minister of Culture, Luxembourg artists in the spotlight, Berlinale TalentsDésirée Nosbusch and Vicky Krieps
The Minister for Culture, Eric Thillwill be attending the Berlinale from 16 to 18 February to support Luxembourg film professionals. He will also attend the traditional reception organised jointly by the Film Fund and the Luxembourg embassy in Berlin, bringing together players and partners from the audiovisual production sector as well as representatives from the world of culture.
The artists and professionals from Luxembourg will shine through in the selected films, both in terms of the technical teams and the casts. Among them, the actress Sophie Mousel has distinguished itself by appearing in two films in the official selection, confirming the dynamism and diversity of Luxembourg cinema.
Hélène Wallandproducer of Poulpe Bleu Production, will represent Luxembourg at the 23ᵉ édition de Berlinale Talents, a programme bringing together around 200 professionals from the world of cinema. The event, which runs for six days alongside the festival, offers participants networking opportunities, as well as workshops, lectures and public discussions with renowned figures from the 7ᵉ art.
The actress, director and producer Désirée Nosbusch will be the master of ceremonies for this 75e edition of the Berlinale.
Actress Vicky Krieps in the film Hot Milk by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, in Official Competition.
The presence of all this talent on the international stage highlights Luxembourg's artistic excellence and marks a key moment for the country's cultural influence.
