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
Berlin International Film Festival the Homage. Since 2002 a 50-second trailer opens the performances in all sections of the festival with the exception of the Retrospective. The Golden Bear (German: Goldener Bär) is the highest prize awarded for the best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. Golden Bear ("Goldener Bär)" Silver Bear ("Silberner Bär") The Silver Bear was introduced in 1956 as an award for individual achievements in direction and acting, and for best short film. In 1965 a special film award for the runner-up to the Golden Bear was introduced. Although its official name was the "Special Jury Price" from 1965 to