Giffey on the Berlinale: «We have a responsibility»

Die Regierende Bürgermeisterin von Berlin, Franziska Giffey spricht bei der Eröffnungsveranstaltung der 72. Berlinale Internationalen Filmfestspiele.

Berlin's Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey has praised the decision to hold the Berlinale in person this year.

Great desire for in-person events

"Every movie we watch and get to experience together, every impression, every story triggers something," the SPD politician said Thursday night (Feb. 10, 2022) at the opening of the film festival. "And I think that right now, we long for it so much. That's why it's good that this festival can take place on location - even under difficult conditions, especially now." She further stated that Berlin is one of the world's great film cities. "We have a responsibility to support the cinema and film industry," Giffey stressed. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Berlinale will take place in a reduced format this year.