MetFilm School Alumni and Babylon host a series of free film screenings
MetFilm School Berlin, part of BIMM University Berlin, will host a curated screening series in partnership with the iconic Babylon kino.
The series, curated by BIMM alumnus Lorenzo Mendonça, will bring together a selection of films across three themes, with selected talks and masterclasses. The programme is curated and organised by a MetFilm School alumni.
The screenings are free for BIMM University students with their student ID, and are also open to other students and film enthusiasts in Berlin.
A bit about Babylon Kino
Built in 1929 and designed by architect Hans Poelzig, Babylon is a historic cinema and cultural venue in the heart of Berlin. Known for its vintage visual aesthetic and vibrant exterior, Babylon remains one of Berlin’s oldest active cinemas, known for its programme of independent films, retrospectives, festivals, and cultural events. MetFilm School Berlin, and BIMM University as a whole, is very proud to have fostered a close working relationship with Babylon Kino, a partnership that allows us to work together to bring unique events like this to our talented film students.
What’s being shown?
LISTENING TO FILM
- 08 October 2026 Sound of Metal (2019), directed by Darius Marder
- 15 October 2026 Sisters with Transistors (2020), directed by Lisa Rovner
- 22 October 2026 We Are the Best! (2013), directed by Lukas Moodysson
CROSSING BORDERS
- 29 October 2026 A Separation (2011), directed by Asghar Farhadi (Iran)
- 05 November 2026 Ponyo (2008), directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Japan)
- 12 November 2026 Futuro Beach (2014), directed by Karim Aïnouz (Brazil/Germany)
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES
- 19 November 2026 Brainwashed: Sex, Camera, Power (2022), directed by Nina Menkes
- 26 November 2026 Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), directed by Agnès Varda
- 03 December 2026 Persepolis (2007), directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi
Meet the curator – Alumnus Lorenzo Mendonça 
“As a curator, you want people to have fun and enjoy watching the films you selected, but you also want to challenge them, introduce them to different films and have them leave the screening with something to reflect on”
Lorenzo told us when we sat down with him to discuss the event.
“I started the curation process by asking myself: Which films would I have liked to be introduced to when I joined film school? I realized that most of the films I watched during my time there were American productions or English-language films, so it was important for me to break away from that and introduce a section composed entirely of non-English- language films. I remember that after Parasite won the Oscar, more people seemed interested in exploring films from outside the Western, English- speaking world. I think we need to keep pushing in that direction. It’s time to pay more attention to the stories being told outside that bubble.”
“Ultimately, my main goal was to create a diverse programme that included films by underrepresented voices, animation, documentaries, independent productions, and classics. I wanted to present audiences with the many possibilities of storytelling through film and encourage them to engage in meaningful discussions afterwards”
Why is it important to build bridges between MetFilm School and established industry partners like Babylon Kino?
“Nowadays, more and more people opt to watch content through streaming services rather than leave their homes and spend money on a cinema ticket. At the same time, we see young filmmakers choosing to invest in their own equipment and teach themselves filmmaking rather than pursuing the university path. As cinemas and film schools face challenges, building bridges between them is crucial. Offering a space (especially such an iconic venue as Babylon Kino) where the next generation of filmmakers and film enthusiasts can watch films together, discuss them openly, and network is one way to strengthen the relationship between film education and cinema culture.”
What do you hope students take away from experiencing these films together, beyond the screening itself?
“There are many things I hope students will take away from our programme, but I mainly hope the screenings help bring the students together, so they can start building their networks and developing their identities within the industry. Just as importantly, I hope they discover the joy and importance of watching films in a cinema and helping to keep that experience alive.”
How can opportunities like this help emerging filmmakers build connections and find their place in the industry?
“I think going to places where other like-minded people also go to is always a good way to network. I’ve also noticed that our post-screening discussions are very helpful in bringing people together. We sit in a circle and freely share our opinions, which allows us to connect and get to know each other on a deeper level. These discussions also help students develop their critical thinking and personal taste, which are essential factors.”
Remember, it’s not only BIMM University Students who can attend! Bring a friend, family member, or fellow film critic and network in our amazing community of film lovers!
