BERLIN: Cillian Murphy, an Oscar nominee, kicked off Berlin’s international film festival on Thursday with the world premiere of “Small Things Like These,” a drama about Ireland’s notorious laundries used as prison camps for marginalized young women.
Based on Claire Keegan’s bestselling novel and featuring acclaimed actors Michelle Fairley (“Game of Thrones”) and Emily Watson (“Chernobyl”), the film is among the 20 contenders vying for the festival’s prestigious Golden Bear award.
Kenyan-Mexican actor Lupita Nyong’o, serving as the festival’s first black jury president in its 74-year history, is poised to lead discussions amidst anticipated debates on issues like the plight of women, the Gaza war, and the rise of the far right, which may also spur protests during the event.
Expressing excitement for the festival’s challenges, Nyong’o emphasized the role of artists in reflecting and responding to the contemporary world. “I think what we’re here to do is to see how artists are responding to the world we are living in right now,” she stated. “I’m curious to see what they’re making of it.”
Known for its strong political stance, the 11-day Berlinale serves as a prominent platform for global cinema, providing a vital launchpad for films addressing a wide array of societal issues from around the world.
