Ala Younis Steps Down as Belinale’s Forum Expanded Gears Up for Anniversary Year
The 2025 edition of Forum Expanded, part of the Berlin International Film Festival, will celebrate its 20th anniversary. This landmark edition reflects the program's longstanding commitment to experimental and expanded cinema as a space for artistic innovation and critical discourse.
The curatorial team for the anniversary edition includes Ulrich Ziemons, the head of Forum Expanded, alongside co-curators Karina Griffith and Shai Heredia. Notably, Ala Younis, who co-led Forum Expanded with Ziemons since 2021, has announced her departure to focus on other projects in art, curation, research, and publishing. Younis’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in the program’s history, though she remains closely connected to its community.
“Being part of Forum Expanded has been a valuable experience for me,” said Ala Younis in a statement. “I am grateful to its team, filmmakers, artists, and audience members whose dedication has fostered a space for creativity and growth. I wish Forum Expanded all the best and look forward to seeing its future development.”
Established in 2006 by Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art, Forum Expanded has consistently championed artists’ cinema and experimental film as tools for engaging with global socio-political and aesthetic shifts. Its programs have created a platform for filmmakers and artists to explore narratives and formats outside traditional cinematic conventions.
As it enters its third decade, Forum Expanded continues to adapt and evolve, highlighting its enduring relevance within the global film community. The 2025 edition is expected to reflect on the program’s rich legacy while charting a vision for the future of expanded cinema practices.