Six Australian projects have been selected for the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). Feature film Buoyancy directed by Rodd Rathjen and produced by Causeway Films whose credits include The Babadook, Cargo and The Nightingale will have its world premiere at the festival, as well as feature documentary 2040 written and directed by Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film). This news comes after a historic six Australian feature films were selected to screen at Sundance Film Festival.
“Be it thought-provoking documentaries, moving dramas, or short films it’s clear that Australian stories and our filmmakers continue to resonate around the world. We congratulate all the Australian teams on their Berlinale selection and we are proud to have such distinctive and diverse projects representing our industry at this esteemed festival.” Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia commented.

“It’s a fantastic honour to be launching our film in Berlinale’s prestigious Panorama program. Rodd has told an important story in a boldly cinematic way, and we hope it will impact on audiences around the world. Buoyancy was only made possible by the unwavering passion of our Cambodian and South East Asian collaborators and extraordinary crew, who along with our investors put a lot of faith in this project, and it will be a thrilling start for the whole team to share.” Producer of feature film Buoyancy Sam Jennings commented.
“We are delighted to premiere 2040 at such a terrific festival and hope that it can spark some important conversations.” Writer and director of feature documentary 2040 that looks at the current and future state of our planet, Damon Gameau commented.

Feature documentary She Who Must Be Loved from Erica Glynn will have its international premiere as part of the NATIVe program which celebrates Indigenous storytelling. Critically acclaimed 2015 feature film Tanna directed by Bentley Dean and Martin Butler will also screen in the NATIVe program, as well as short film Blackbird directed by Amie Batalibasi.
The Mermaids, Or Aiden in Wonderland by Karrabing Film Collective, an experimental short film about what might happen at the end of the world will screen as part of the festivals 14th Forum Expanded program.
Two Australian producers Kate Laurie and Peter Ireland have been selected to participate in the Berlinale Talents program, as well as production designer and art director Alicia Clements.
Actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey will sit on the International Generation Kplus jury. Her short film A Field Guide to Being a 12-Year-Old-Girl screened in the festivals Generation Kplus program last year and won the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film in that program.
Australian producer Greer Simpkin from Bunya Productions is part of the international team behind Flesh & Blood which will be pitched at the European Film Market’s Co-Production market for Co Pro Series.

The Berlin International Film Festival runs 7-17 February 2019.