The Light by Tom Tykwer will open the 75th Berlinale

Renowned filmmaker Tom Tykwer returns to the Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival to open its 75th edition with the world premiere of his latest film, Das Licht (The Light). The German-French production will be showcased as a Berlinale Special Gala on February 13, 2025, at the Berlinale Palast.

Festival Director Tricia Tuttle praised the selection, stating:
“We knew as soon as we saw Das Licht (The Light) that we wanted to have it open the 75th Berlinale. Tom Tykwer finds beauty and joy in our often fractured and challenging world, and magically captures the essence of our modern life on screen. It is our great pleasure to welcome Tom back to the Berlinale.”

A Story of Family, Secrets, and Transformation

Starring Lars Eidinger (Dying, Babylon Berlin) and Nicolette Krebitz (A Cloud in Our House, A E I O U – A Quick Alphabet of Love), Das Licht (The Light) explores the lives of the Engels family:

• Tim (Lars Eidinger) and Milena (Nicolette Krebitz),
• their twins Frieda (Elke Biesendorfer) and Jon (Julius Gause),
• and Milena’s son Dio (Elyas Eldridge).

Living under the same roof but emotionally distant, their lives are upended when the enigmatic housekeeper Farrah (Tala Al-Deen), a Syrian immigrant, enters their home. Farrah’s presence challenges the family, bringing hidden emotions to the surface while pursuing a mysterious agenda that changes their dynamics forever.

A Celebrated Filmmaker Returns to Berlinale

This marks the third time Tom Tykwer has opened the Berlinale, following Heaven (2002) and The International (2009). Reflecting on this honour, Tykwer shared his enthusiasm:
“I’m over the moon to open next year’s Berlinale with Das Licht (The Light). The Berlinale is the festival of my life. The city is my destiny. This film is my longing.”

Produced by X Filme Creative Pool in collaboration with ZDF, ARP Séléction, and other partners, the film highlights Tykwer’s unique storytelling prowess.

Key Details on Das Licht (The Light)

• German Release Date: March 20, 2025, via X Verleih
• Distribution: Warner Bros. (Germany), Beta Cinema (world sales)