Key Facts
- ✓ Karim Aïnouz's film 'Rosebush Pruning' has been selected for the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
- ✓ The movie features an international ensemble cast including Elle Fanning, Jamie Bell, and Pamela Anderson.
- ✓ Set in a mansion in Catalonia, the film is a contemporary satire about an eccentric, wealthy American family.
- ✓ The screenplay was written by Efthimis Filippo, and the film is a collaboration with production companies like MUBI and The Match Factory.
- ✓ The 76th Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to run from February 12 to 22, 2026.
- ✓ This marks Aïnouz's return to the Berlin competition since his film 'Praia do Futuro' was selected in 2014.
A Return to Berlin
Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz is returning to one of the world's most prestigious film festivals with a bold new project. His latest feature, Rosebush Pruning, has been officially selected for the main competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
The film marks a significant return for Aïnouz to the Berlinale, where his last competing film was Praia do Futuro in 2014. The selection places his work alongside other international cinematic innovations, highlighting the festival's commitment to boundary-pushing storytelling.
The Ensemble Cast
Rosebush Pruning boasts a star-studded international cast, bringing together some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents. The film features Elle Fanning and Jamie Bell in leading roles, alongside Callum Turner, Lukas Gage, and Riley Keough.
The ensemble is further strengthened by the presence of Tracy Letts, Elena Anaya, and Pamela Anderson. This diverse lineup reflects the film's international scope and the director's ability to attract top-tier talent for his ambitious projects.
"I am happy to return to the Berlin Film Festival, a visionary festival. The last film of mine that was in competition here was Praia do Futuro, in 2014. It is an honor to premiere again. Besides being held in the city where I live, it is a festival that bets on an innovative, inventive cinema. It is the perfect showcase for this film, which invests in a sharp sense of humor, marked by transgression and boldness, values that are synonymous with the festival itself and the city of Berlin. Being alongside the selected films leaves me deeply flattered."
— Karim Aïnouz, Director
Plot & Setting
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion in Catalonia, the film presents a contemporary satire that dissects the contradictions of the traditional family unit. The narrative follows an eccentric, privileged American family that has isolated itself from the world, living off a vast inherited fortune.
The story centers on four siblings—Jack, Ed, Anna, and Robert—who navigate their complex relationships while ignoring the needs of their blind father. The plot ignites when Jack, the eldest brother and the family's central figure, announces his decision to leave his family to live with his girlfriend, Martha. This declaration triggers a violent unraveling of family bonds.
As the siblings' world implodes, long-buried secrets surface. Ed begins to uncover the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, leading to a spiral of lies and brutal violence that threatens to destroy the family completely.
Director's Vision
Aïnouz views the Berlin International Film Festival as the ideal venue for his latest work. He describes the festival as a visionary platform that champions innovation and invention in cinema.
"I am happy to return to the Berlin Film Festival, a visionary festival. The last film of mine that was in competition here was Praia do Futuro, in 2014. It is an honor to premiere again. Besides being held in the city where I live, it is a festival that bets on an innovative, inventive cinema. It is the perfect showcase for this film, which invests in a sharp sense of humor, marked by transgression and boldness, values that are synonymous with the festival itself and the city of Berlin. Being alongside the selected films leaves me deeply flattered."
The director emphasizes that the film's tone aligns perfectly with the city's cultural identity, suggesting that the movie's transgressive and bold nature is a natural fit for the Berlinale's competitive lineup.
Production Details
The film is the result of a significant international collaboration. Rosebush Pruning is a joint effort between Aïnouz and several major production companies, including MUBI, The Match Factory, Kavac Film, and The Apartment (a Fremantle company), among others.
The screenplay was written by Efthimis Filippo, marking a new creative partnership. The production is led by a team of experienced producers, including Viola Fügen, Michael Weber, Simone Gattoni, Annamaria Morelli, and Vladimir Zemtsov. The coproduction credits go to Andreas Wentz, Juan Cano “Nono,” and Rachel Dargavel.
The 76th edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from February 12 to 22, 2026, in Berlin, Germany.
Looking Ahead
The selection of Rosebush Pruning solidifies Karim Aïnouz's status as a prominent voice in international cinema. By blending a high-profile cast with a sharp, satirical script, the film is poised to be a major talking point during the festival season.
As the February premiere approaches, anticipation builds for how Aïnouz's vision of a disintegrating family will resonate with the Berlin audience. The film promises to deliver the transgressive humor and bold storytelling that the director is known for.
