How you can attend Germany's famous Berlinale film festival

Despite the cold temperatures, February is an exciting time in the German capital.

That's because the Berlinale film festival brings a wave of fresh culture, talent and talking points to the city.

For just under two weeks, movies from all over the world by new and established filmmakers arrive in cinemas, resulting in a buzzing atmosphere. 

Taking place this year from February 13th to 23rd, the event is being led by Tricia Tuttle.

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Along with a host of independent arthouse filmmakers, Boyhood director Richard Linklater's latest movie, Blue Moon, which stars Ethan Hawke, is showing in competition, while South Korean director Bong Joon-ho will present his new film Mickey 17 with Robert Pattinson.

James Mangold's Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, is also being shown a number of times throughout the festival. 

Renowned Scottish actor Tilda Swinton is set to receive a lifetime achievement award, while you should keep an eye out for Jessica Chastain, Marion Cotillard and Timothee Chalamet who will be around town for the festival.

The event opens on February 13th at at the Berlinale Palast with the world premiere of Tom Tykwer's latest feature film Das Licht (The Light), a story about a middle-class German family whose lives are transformed by their mysterious Syrian housekeeper.

How can I attend?

The great thing about Berlinale is that it's open to everyone.

Ticket sales opened on Monday February 10th for the opening night. But in general, tickets launch three days before a film is shown. So tickets for Friday February 14th, for instance, will go on sale on Tuesday February 10th at 10am. 

One exception is for showings held in the Uber Eats Music Hall, for which tickets are already on sale.

The standard price for screenings in the Berlinale Palast and special gala premieres in the Uber Eats Music Hall is €20, while other screenings cost €15.

Showings on the last day cost €11. 

There are also concessions for various groups, including schoolchildren, students, people with disabilities as well for those who are unemployed or receive the Bürgergeld benefit. If you are entitled to a reduction, the festival asks you to have have proof of this ready to present at the screening. Festival bosses say that a limited number of concession tickets are given out for the event, however that quota is lifted on the day of the screening.

Some showings sell out quickly but it's worth checking back to see if more tickets are released in the lead up to the showing - especially in the hour before the event. 

And if the film you have your eye on is completely sold out, try opting for another interesting looking film by a less well known director. If nothing else, it will be a cultural evening out with a twist - and you may even end up finding a gem. 

You can find all the programme details and where to buy tickets here.