Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination Statement

The Berlinale believes in the importance of a cohesive global film and media community that advocates a diverse, inclusive, equal and fair industry based on the values of artistic excellence, vibrant filmmaking, mutual respect, freedom of speech and progressiveness.

As a public institution, the Berlinale is obliged to comply with the German Grundgesetz (Basic Law) and the General Act on Equal Treatment. Based on this statutory framework, the Anti-Discrimination Code of Conduct sets out the rules of social interaction for all areas of the Berlin International Film Festival:

The Berlinale does not tolerate any form of favouritism, hurtful language, discrimination, abuse, marginalisation or insulting behaviour on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, background, skin colour, religious belief, sexuality, gender identity, socioeconomic class, caste, disability or age. The Berlinale does not accept sexism, racism, colourism, homophobia, biphobia, interphobia and transphobia or hostility, antisemitism, Islamophobia, fascism, age discrimination, ableism and other and/or intersectional forms of discrimination.

In addition, the Berlinale does not tolerate any acts of violence, abuse or harassment of any verbal, physical, sexual or other nature towards its visitors, guests, partners and employees. In the event of a violation of the Code of Conduct, the Berlinale reserves the right to revoke and deny persons access to the festival with immediate effect.

Inclusion

Please find an outline of the general services we are offering as well as precise information on the accessibility of the EFM’s venues here.

Awareness Team

In oder to implement the Berlinale’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination Policy, an Awareness Team of trained anti-discrimination advisers from the Association for Anti-Discrimination and Educational Work and the Berlin Association for Self-Help (website only available in German) is available by telephone in German and English and email both during and following the festival.

The Awareness Team can be reached at or by phone on:
+49 30 25920-295, daily from February 16 to 26, 2023 from 2 pm to 8 pm, and from February 27 to March 3, 2023 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

The Awareness Team is there to listen, understand and advise people confidentially and, in the first instance, always anonymously. At the request of the person seeking advice, the Awareness Team will inform the Berlinale and will consult it about possible measures to be taken. The implementation of these measures is the responsibility of the Berlinale. The service is aimed at anyone who, during the Berlinale, witnesses, experiences or is affected by discrimination as laid out in the festival’s Code of Conduct. We are very grateful for your active assistance and encourage all visitors, guests, partners and employees to report any incidents to the Awareness Team.

The Berlinale aims to create an environment in which respectful and equitable exchange for all festival participants can take place.

This service does not constitute a further psychological consultation.