Berlin Film Festival Drops the Bear for its 75th Anniversary Poster

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As a seasoned gamer and a longtime enthusiast of both films and design, I must admit that I find myself torn over this year’s Berlin International Film Festival poster. On one hand, the abstract Bauhaus-inspired design is a refreshing departure from the traditional bear motif, offering a modern take on the festival’s rich history. The animated key visual, with its TV-style countdown and glowing visual interpretation of time, adds an exciting dynamic to the poster that I find intriguing.

The Berlin International Film Festival is marking its 75th anniversary by ditching the Bear.

Stepping outside the norm, I’m thrilled to share that the poster for the 2025 Berlinale will eschew the traditional black bear mascot, a cherished symbol of the city over the years. We’ve seen bears in all sorts of ways on these posters – live bears digitally inserted into famous Berlin landmarks, locals donning bear costumes, and countless graphic interpretations of this beloved creature. But for 2025, it seems we’re in for a fresh design!

However, the official poster for 2025, revealed on Thursday, lacks bears and instead displays a non-animal abstract artwork. This creative piece, characterized by its geometric patterns, vibrant hues, and sleek minimalism, mirrors the aesthetic of the Bauhaus art movement.

For the first time, the poster, created by Berlin graphic designer Claudia Schramke, is also available as an animated key visual, which the Berlinale will use across all its digital channels (see below). The animated version includes a TV-style countdown, which the festival said placed it “at the center of a glowing visual interpretation of the theme of “time,” a modern, lively remix of the historical cinema feeling and an emotional anniversary countdown form the beating heart of the upcoming Berlinale.”

Enthusiasts of all things ursine may express disappointment, but it’s worth noting that such “anti-bear” actions have precedent. In celebration of its 65th anniversary, the festival decided to embrace a more symbolic and cinematic representation, reminiscent of a glistening theater curtain.

As a gamer, I can’t wait to see the posters and trailers for Tom Tykwer’s new movie, “Das Licht (The Light),” all over Berlin starting late January! This epic will be the opening film for the 75th Berlinale on February 13th, and the festival will run from the 13th to the 23rd. Can’t believe I’ll be there in 2025 for this amazing event!

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2024-12-19 16:24