Berlinale announces 2027 retrospective theme

The Berlinale has announced the theme for its 2027 retrospective, titled ‘Rage Against the Machine’. The program coincides with the centenary of Fritz Lang’s influential science fiction film, Metropolis.

Organized in collaboration with the Deutsche Kinemathek, the retrospective will explore cinematic visions of the future and rebellion. The selection aims to examine the intersections of technology, power, and society, specifically addressing themes such as artificial intelligence, urbanism, feminism, and capitalism. The program intends to span various cinematic traditions, ranging from mainstream commercial cinema to experimental and underground works.

Initial film selections include Paul Verhoeven’s ‘RoboCop’ (1987), Muscha’s ‘Decoder’ (1984), Rintarō’s ‘Metoroporisu’ (2001), and Helma Sanders-Brahms’ ‘The Last Days of Gomorrah’ (1974). Additionally, a new restoration of Ngozi Onwurah’s ‘Welcome II the Terrordome’ (1995) will be screened. Artistic director Heleen Gerritsen will lead the program for a second consecutive year.