Will the Robert Pattinson movie Bel Ami be screened at the Berlin Film Festival? Rumor has it that it will. Although that is certainly a possibility, the issue may turn out to be a little complicated.
Larry Richman has written a long and very detailed article on the likelihood — or not — of Bel Ami having its “official” World Premiere in Berlin, whether in competition or in one of the various sidebars. The word “official” is between quotes because Bel Ami has been shown at special screenings (for women only) in various Belgian cities in early January.
“All sections of the Berlin Film Festival have in their requirements, ‘World Premieres are given priority,’” Richman explains. “Normally, the definition of ‘World Premiere’ would not allow for a previous theatrical run. … Then again, if the film was accepted into Berlin, the filmmakers were likely notified of that prior to the decision to have some screenings in Belgium. So they may have asked Berlin if they could do it.”
Richman makes a good case that the key here is whether or not the Belgian screenings of Bel Ami could be considered something other than “public” showings of the film. If the answer is Yes, then Bel Ami could indeed have its “World Premiere” at the Berlinale.