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
6th Berlin International Film Festival 6th Berlin International Film Festival The 6th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 22 June to 3 July 1956. The FIAPF granted the festival the "A status" during this year, which previously only reserved for Cannes and Venice. The awards for the first time, were given by an international jury. Golden Bear was awarded to "Invitation to the Dance" directed by Gene Kelly. However the decision by the Marcel Carné-led jury to award the Golden Bear to Gene Kelly was widely criticized. The following people were announced as being on the jury for the festival: The following films