Encounters was a section of the Berlin International Film Festival's official selection. It was established in 2020 when the new leadership inaugurated, and the competitive section was aimed to introduce both narrative films and documentaries with innovative and independent perspective.
In 2025, following Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek's dismissal, the section was officially dropped by the new festival heading team.
Award winners Best film
Year English title Original title Director Production Country 2020 The Works and Days The Works and Days (of Tayoko Shiojiri in the Shiotani Basin) Anders Edström and C.W. Winter Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States 2021 We Alice Diop France 2022 Mutzenbacher Ruth Beckermann Austria 2023 Here Bas Devos Belgium2024Direct ActionGuillaume Cailleau and Ben RussellGermany, France
Other awards Year Award Recipient English title Original title Production Country2020 Special Jury Award Sandra Wollner The Trouble with Being Born Austria Best Director Cristi Puiu Malmkrog Romania Special Mention Matías Piñeiro Isabella Argentina2021 Special Jury Award Lê Bảo Taste Vị VietnamBest Director Ramon ZürcherSilvan Zürcher The Girl and the Spider Das Mädchen und die Spinne Switzerland Denis Côté Social Hygiene Hygiène sociale Canada Special Mention Fern Silva Rock Bottom Riser United States2022 Special Jury Award Mitra Farahani See You Friday, Robinson À vendredi, Robinson France Best Director Cyril Schäublin Unrest Unruh Switzerland2023 Special Jury Award Paul B. Preciado Orlando, My Political Biography Orlando, ma biographie politique France Lois Patiño Samsara Spain Best Director Tatiana Huezo The Echo El eco Mexico2024Special Jury AwardQiu YangSome Rain Must Fall空房间里的女人China, United States, France, SingaporeAliyar RastiThe Great Yawn of HistoryKhamyazeye bozorgIranBest DirectorJuliana Rojas Cidade; CampoBrazil, Germany, France
References
External links Berlin International Film Festival