The Berlin International Film Festival, a prestigious German event that last year honoured Tilda Swinton with a lifetime achievement award, is set for a distinctly Scottish flavour this year. The 2025 edition, running from February 12 to 22, will showcase a remarkable slate of productions with strong Scottish connections, from acting talent to directors and composers.
Major World Premieres for Scottish Productions
Leading the charge is the new BBC crime drama 'Mint', which will have its world premiere at the festival. The eight-part series, filmed in Scotland last year, is described as a darkly comic and unconventional drama exploring a crime family's inner life. Its cast features a host of Scottish talent, including Bafta-winning actor Lewis Gribben and Laura Fraser, renowned for her role in the US hit Breaking Bad. They are joined by Emma Laird, who starred in the Oscar-winning film The Brutalist.
Another world premiere with Scottish roots is the mockumentary The Moment, directed by Glasgow-born Aidan Zamiri. The film, which offers a commentary on the bizarre nature of fame, stars pop singer Charli XCX and reality TV star Kylie Jenner, both playing versions of themselves.
Documentaries and Historical Drama Join the Line-Up
The festival will also host the world premiere of Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon, a documentary shot inside the Berlin studio of the Turner Prize-winning Scottish artist. Furthermore, The Education of Jane Cumming, a film about a romance between two Edinburgh teachers, will have its premiere. This historical drama stars Fiona Shaw, acclaimed for her performance in Killing Eve.
Scottish musical influence extends to another festival entry. The score for The Testament of Ann Lee, which stars Amanda Seyfried, features music by pioneering Scottish free jazz singer Maggie Nicols.
A Growing Platform for Scottish Creative Talent
This significant presence underscores the growing international recognition for Scotland's film and television industry. The festival follows last year's event where Tilda Swinton, who lives in Nairn, received the honorary Golden Bear. The diverse range of work—from major BBC dramas to artistic documentaries and innovative mockumentaries—highlights the depth and versatility of Scottish storytelling on one of the world's most prominent cinematic stages.
