Berlinale's Fresh Lineup: A Mix of Glamour and Controversy

This year's Berlin Film Festival promises excitement with a diverse lineup of films from around the globe. Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley star in Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon, ” a biopic about songwriter Lorenz Hart. Meanwhile, Jessica Chastain and Isaac Hernández team up in Michel Franco’s “Dreams, ” a story about a young ballet dancer's ambition. Other notable films include Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s debut “Hot Milk” and Mary Bronstein’s “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, ” featuring an unexpected cast like Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky. Two Chinese films, “Girls on Wire” and “Living the Land, ” make their debuts, and a new competitive section called Perspectives will showcase 14 international debuts. The festival, now under Tricia Tuttle's helm, aims to broaden its appeal while keeping its political edge. Last year's controversy surrounding a Palestinian-Israeli documentary has not dampened the festival's spirit, and it's set to be an event filled with vibrant art and open dialogue.