Acclaimed Director Todd Haynes Set to Lead Jury at Berlin Film Festival’s Milestone 75th Edition

Berlin, Germany — Renowned filmmaker Todd Haynes has been appointed as the jury president for the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, an event that promises to blend cinematic tradition with contemporary flair. The festival organizers announced Haynes’ role, highlighting his unique contributions to the film industry as a pivotal reason for his selection.

Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle lauded Haynes as a brilliantly versatile writer and director whose works have not only showcased stylistic diversity but also upheld a distinct signature. She remarked on Haynes’ longstanding relationship with the festival that dates back to his 1991 Teddy Award for his debut feature “Poison.” “We are overjoyed to have him join us as the President of the International Jury for our 75th edition,” Tuttle expressed.

Haynes emerged as a distinctive voice in the ’90s American independent film scene with “Poison,” an experimental sci-fi movie that garnered critical acclaim, including the queer film prize at the Berlinale, followed by the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. His career also features a spectrum of other significant works including “Safe” (1995), “Velvet Goldmine” (1998), and the innovative Bob Dylan biopic “I’m Not There” (2007) which won the Grand Jury Prize in Venice.

His most recent project, “May December,” featuring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. It was subsequently picked up by Netflix and won a screenplay award at that year’s Academy Awards. Despite Haynes’ success, his journey has not been without setbacks. He was set to direct a romantic film with Joaquin Phoenix, but the project halted when Phoenix departed just weeks before production was scheduled to start in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The yet-to-be-named film which was to also star Danny Ramirez of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, was set in the 1930s and detailed the romantic journey of two men from Los Angeles to Mexico. The departure of Phoenix led to attempts by producers Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler to salvage the project, but it ultimately fell through, with local crew members left unpaid.

The festival, which is scheduled to run from February 13-23, 2025, will be the first under the direction of Tuttle, who formerly headed the BFI London Film Festival. This transition marks a new chapter for Berlin Film Festival as it embraces a fresh vision following the departure of its former directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek.

Haynes’ involvement in the Berlin Film Festival underscores the event’s dedication to celebrating cinema that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, a hallmark that the festival has championed over its illustrious 75-year history. As the film community looks forward to this edition, Haynes’ leadership is expected to bring a refreshing perspective to the esteemed jury process.

The 2025 edition of the Berlin Film Festival is anticipated to be a landmark event, bringing together the best in global cinema and offering a platform for new voices to be heard under the guidance of one of America’s most innovative filmmakers.

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