The Berlin Film Festival is historically the most political of all the major film festivals, and this year is no exception. The 75th edition of the Berlinale unspools amid the turbulent lead-up to Germany's Feb.

The Berlin International Film Festival is kicking off on Thursday with the world premiere of Tom Tykwer’s “The Light,” a timely tale of a dysfunctional German family and a Syrian refugee. The festival known as the Berlinale this year comes against the backdrop of Germany's parliament elections.

Congratulations to the city on getting this extraordinary director to lead this beloved festival into the future,” said German director Edward Berger ( Conclave, All Quiet on the Western Front ), capturing the sense of optimism and excitement over Tuttle’s appointment,