The 75th Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany
A DELEGATION FROM NAGALAND, comprising two members from the Film Association of Nagaland Dr Imnasenla Vero and Dr Sophy Lasuh, along with Khriesenuo Metha (Photography Trainee), Kikrupfelie Neikha (Model, Actor) and Imsujungla (3D Trainee), attended the 75th Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany from February 16 to 18 2025. The team had the opportunity to explore the vibrant cinematic gathering, experience some of the best in world cinema, and build meaningful collaborations.
The Nagaland team also had the privilege of overseeing the Indian Pavilion at the European Film Market (EFM), where they engaged with renowned filmmakers from across the globe.
The European Film Market serves as a key platform for the global film, media, and entertainment industries to buy, sell, and network. As one of the world's leading industry hubs, it is held annually alongside the Berlinale. Each member of the Nagaland team was fortunate to receive accreditation to the EFM, granting them access to film screenings and exclusive industry locations at no cost.
This exposure provided them with invaluable insights into international cinema, film production, and emerging industry trends. Attending the Berlinale was an eye-opening experience and a source of great motivation for all the Nagaland delegates. It broadened their perspectives on filmmaking, storytelling, and industry dynamics.
The exposure to global cinema, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions with international filmmakers had a lasting impact on their professional growth and creative aspirations.
A central theme of this year’s Berlinale Talents programme was “Listening with Courage, Exploring New Narratives, and Reflecting on Creative Processes.” The 200 invited filmmakers engaged in discussions, workshops, labs, and think tanks. Additionally, public talks featured renowned figures such as Todd Haynes, Cheryl Dunye, Michel Franco, Zacharias Kunuk, Rana Eid, Inbal Weinberg, and Bina Daigeler.
A particularly memorable highlight was an exclusive session with Honorary Golden Bear recipient Tilda Swinton, which proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all attending talents. The global alumni community of Berlinale Talents was well represented, with 125 former participants involved in 77 films at the festival.
The World Cinema Fund (WCF) dedicated its 2025 WCF Day to the theme “Poetry and Politics: Production, Visibility, and Resilience Strategies in Challenging Times.” The event was well-attended and featured panels on cinema production in the Arab world and strategies for distribution and audience engagement in WCF regions.
The presence of five WCF-supported films in the Berlinale 2025 programme underscored the fund’s ongoing impact in promoting global cinema.
Kohima
February 25, 2025