The Berlin International Film Festival or “Berlinale” was launched in 1951 after World War II to bring Berlin back to its glory during the twenties before World War I and World War II. The Berlinale marked its first launch as it opened up by the screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca.”
The festival is held each February and has been held on that month since 1951. They have the most visitors worldwide along with a jury that emphasizes on representing films around the world. As the Venice Film Festival awards Gold and Silver Lions, the Berlin International Film Festival awards both Golden and Silver Bears.
Their designated location is at the Berlinale Palast which is at Marline-Dietrich-Platz 1. The 58th BIFF was held from February 7th-17th of 2007. The committee for the BIFF would meet on October 9, 1950 which would be their first meeting.
The idea was initiated by Oscar Martay, an American Film Officer. Martay, British colleague George Turner, two representatives of the Berlin Senate Administration, four represenatives of the Germany film industry, and a journalist make up the committee. The name of “Berlin International Film Festival” is agreed on and the dates of June 6th-17th of 1951 are also agreed upon.
Dr. Alfred Bauer a film historian is appointed the festival director. Joan Fontaine who starred in “Rebecca” is the celebrated star guest of the festival. The first BIFF was a complete success as the festival was sold-out.
The Berlin Bears were awarded to the categories of dramatic film, comedies, crime and adventure films, musical films, and documentary films. The jury was made up of exclusively German members. Disney’s “Cinderella” was elected as a favorite by the jury. Due to pressure from the Federation Internationale des Associations des Producteurs de Films, prizes will chosen by the audience.