KABUL: The 76th edition of the International Berlin Film Festival, known as Berlinale, kicked off with the screening of “Good Men Do Not Exist,” directed by Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat. The film reflects the life of a female Afghan cinematographer and was showcased at the Potsdamer Platz venue during the opening ceremony, an event that annually brings together thousands of filmmakers and art enthusiasts in Germany’s capital. “Good Men Do Not Exist” is Sadat’s third feature film and is a co-production among Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, and Afghanistan. It is set to be publicly released in German cinemas on August 27, 2026. Sadat left Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power in 2021 and currently resides in Hamburg, Germany. The screening of a film by an Afghan director at Berlinale comes at a time when artistic activities within Afghanistan are facing extensive restrictions. The Berlin International Film Festival, one of Europe’s most significant cinematic events, will last for ten days. This year’s jury is chaired by German director Wim Wenders. Prominent figures from the film industry attended the opening ceremony, including Michelle Yeoh, who is set to receive an honorary Golden Bear for her lifetime achievements in acting. Other expected attendees include Pamela Anderson, Ethan Hawke, and Charli XCX. Berlinale will run until February 22, and in the previous edition, over 330,000 cinema tickets were sold.
