The 76th Berlin Film Festival commenced with a pronounced political tone, as the competition jury, presided over by acclaimed German director Wim Wenders, faced intense questioning regarding current global affairs, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Wenders articulated his belief that while "movies can change the world," this impact is "not in a political way." He elaborated, stating that no film has truly altered a politician's perspective, but rather, films have the power to influence people's perceptions of how they should live, bridging the "big discrepancy on this planet between people who want to live their lives and governments who have other ideas." The diverse jury for this year's festival includes notable figures such as American helmer Reinaldo Marcus Green, Japanese filmmaker Hikari, "The Zone of Interest" producer Ewa Puszczyńska, Nepalese director Min Bahadur Bham, South Korean actress Bae Doona, and Indian director-producer Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.

During the press conference, the jury was directly asked about the German government's support for Israel amidst the Gaza conflict, especially given the festival's funding. Ewa Puszczyńska expressed that the question felt "a bit unfair," explaining that filmmakers aim to make viewers think but cannot be held responsible for individual decisions regarding political support, noting the complexity and presence of other conflicts globally. Wenders reinforced this sentiment, advising filmmakers to "stay out of politics" in their craft, positioning cinema as a "counterweight" or "opposite" to politics, focusing on the human experience rather than political agendas. A technical glitch affecting the livestream during this particular line of questioning led to public speculation, though the Berlinale later issued an apology, attributing it to technical problems and assuring the full recording would be made available. Wenders also lauded the festival's unique strength, asserting that attendees "can be sure you’ll see more facets of the world than in any other festival." The festival, which will run until February 22, opened with Shahrbanoo Sadat’s “No Good Men.”

Among the diverse slate of films showcased at the Berlinale, several immediately caught attention for their compelling narratives and social commentary. Danielle Arbid's age-gap drama "Only Rebels Win" opened the Panorama section, featuring "Succession" star Hiam Abbas in a role starkly different from her previous work. Abbas portrays Susan, an impoverished 65-year-old widow in Beirut, who finds love with Osman, a young Sudanese immigrant worker without papers, played by Amine Benrachid. Their relationship faces severe ostracization from Susan’s family and society. Arbid explained her motivation to explore the struggles of "Third World refugees" and the possibility of love in unexpected, war-torn settings, emphasizing the shared human necessities across all people, challenging Western media's tendency to reduce them to "numbers." She described her film as "throwing a small bomb," particularly timely as she perceives the world to be "regressing," making life more challenging for marginalized groups, aligning with Nan Golding's assertion that "everything is political."

Rafael Manuel’s debut feature "Filipinana," a surreal drama executive produced by Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke, secured North American distribution rights with Kino Lorber after winning the Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Set for its European premiere at the Berlinale on February 15, the film follows Isabel, a 17-year-old Ilokana, as she uncovers dark realities working at an upscale country club outside Manila. Kino Lorber chair and CEO Richard Lorber praised "Filipinana" as a "cinematic miracle," highlighting its brilliant visuals, sound design, choreography, and its "poignant and potent, yet subtle, political statement," solidifying its place in bold, international cinema. Manuel, who previously won a Silver Bear at the Berlinale for his short film work, was also mentored by Jia Zhangke through the Rolex Arts Initiative.

Another politically charged work making its European premiere at the Berlinale's Generation 14+ sidebar is Diego ‘Mapache’ Fuentes’ Chilean punk rock dramedy "Matapanki." Rome-based Minerva Pictures acquired worldwide sales rights for the film, which Fuentes described as born from the "adolescent punk spirit — the defiant, the maladjusted, the rebellious." He noted the screenplay's extravagance reflects his impression of current global politics becoming "increasingly illogical and incoherent." The film, shot in grainy black and white, tells the story of Ricardo, a punk rocker who, after drinking a mysterious liquor called Matapanki, gains superpowers. Convinced he can reshape society, his efforts backfire disastrously, turning the world against him. "Matapanki" previously won Best Chilean Film and Best Youth Feature Film at FIC Valdivia.

Finally, "A Prayer for the Dying," a drama starring Johnny Flynn, John C. Reilly, and Kristine Kujath Thorp, debuted in the Berlinale's Perspectives section. Written and directed by Dara Van Dusen and based on Stewart O’Nan’s novel, the film is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. It follows veteran Jacob Hansen (Flynn), who seeks a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin, only to find it turn into a nightmare as a deadly epidemic and wildfire spread chaos. Jacob, serving concurrently as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor, must battle to save his town, family, and soul. Van Dusen explained that Jacob's multiple roles are a form of atonement for his war trauma and a dark past, embodying the sacrifices one makes in times of profound crisis.