The Berlin International Film Festival has unveiled the first half of its 2019 Panorama program. Unfortunately, its initial numbers aren’t as encouraging as the Competition lineup’s current 43 percent. Of the 22 films selected for Panorama, only five are directed or co-directed by women — that’s about 23 percent.
Of course, the remaining half of the Panorama slate is still to be announced, so it is possible that the numbers will improve before Berlinale’s February 7-17 run.
At the moment, Panorama includes Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir.” Also a Sundance pick, the film centers on the intense — and eventually toxic — relationship between a young artist and an older man. Also screening is HIKARI’s, aka Mitsuyo Miyazaki, feature directorial debut, “37 Seconds,” which sees a young woman living with cerebral palsy pursuing her dream of becoming a manga artist.
Panorama’s other two women-helmed narrative features are Jenna Bass’ “Flatland” and Caroline Poggi’s “Jessica Forever.” The former is a road trip movie exploring female friendship and the current divisions in South Africa. The latter, co-directed by Jonathan Vinel, is a dystopian tale about a group of orphan rebels defending themselves from drone warfare.
From Kim Longinotto, documentary “Shooting the Mafia” has been selected for Panorama as well. It chronicles the life of photographer Letizia Battaglia, who has made a career of recording Mafia crimes in Palermo.
Juliette Binoche is set to serve as President of the International Jury at the 2019 fest. Charlotte Rampling will receive an honorary Golden Bear.
The Berlinale has yet to sign the gender parity pledge that fests around the world are committing to. Cannes, Venice, and Toronto are among those that have signed on.
