Berlin International Film Festival 110 countries. At some high-profile feature film premieres held during the festival, movie stars and celebrities are present on the red carpet. The Berlin International Film Festival was founded in West Berlin in 1951, with film historian Dr. Alfred Bauer as its first director, a position he would hold until 1976. Alfred Hitchcock’s "Rebecca" opened the first festival which ran from June 6-17th. Bauer was succeeded by film journalist Wolf Donner in 1976. After his first Berlinale in June 1977, he successfully negotiated the shift of the festival from the summer to February (February 22nd - March 5th 1978), a
66th Berlin International Film Festival 66th Berlin International Film Festival The 66th Berlin International Film Festival was held from 11 to 21 February 2016, with American actress Meryl Streep as the President of the Jury. The Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement was presented to German cinematographer Michael Ballhaus. "Hail, Caesar!", directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, was selected to open the festival. The Golden Bear was awarded to the Italian documentary "Fire at Sea", directed by Gianfranco Rosi, which also serves as closing night film. The following people were on the jury for the Berlinale Competition section: The following people were on the jury