Berlin, Jan. 13 (BUS): Organizers announced on Wednesday that the Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, will take place in person as planned next month but with stricter rules to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Seating capacity in cinemas will be reduced to 50 per cent and only those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus will be allowed in. In addition, visitors will have to undergo testing before attending and wearing masks will be mandatory in all venues.
The German news agency (dpa) reported that all concerts and receptions have been cancelled.
“We are aware of the challenges posed by the unexpected course of the epidemic,” the festival management said, as the highly prevalent variant Omicron was transmitted in Germany.
“At the same time, we believe that culture plays such an essential role in society that we do not want to leave this aspect out of our sight,” the department said in a statement.
Besides Cannes and Venice, the Berlinale is one of the most important gatherings on the world cinema circuit.
It is scheduled to run from February 10-16, followed by special “Audience Days” from February 17-20 to give the audience a chance to watch films.
The statement said the festival has adapted its coronavirus rules after introducing stricter nationwide regulations.
FKN