The Berlin Film Festival will take place next year from February 10 to 21, with the festival starting a day earlier than usual by beginning on a Wednesday. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, February 19, while the shifted start date makes room for two new Audience Days on February 20 and 21. The European Film Market officially opens on February 10 and runs through February 16. Festival Director Tricia Tuttle, who remains in her position despite political turbulence surrounding pro-Palestinian speeches during the previous edition, emphasizes that the change better serves the audience and the growing industry, which saw 343,200 tickets sold and 19,500 professionals in attendance this year.