Cinemas and theatres are still open in Germany but most large events and fairs across the country have been cancelled to try to curb the spread of the virus.
BERLIN: Berlin, Europe's first major film festival of the year, will take place as an individual event next month, organizers confirmed on Wednesday, as the Omicron wave is expected to peak in Germany.
To some observers' surprise that it is hoping to go online for a second year, the Berlinale announced a schedule with 18 films in competition.
It includes new films from France's François Ozon and Claire Denis, "Carol" screenwriter Phyllis Nagy and past winner Paolo Taviani of Italy.
Expecting thousands of guests from around the world, festival directors Mariette Rissenbeck and Carlo Chatrian told a virtual news conference that they had come up with a plan for its 72nd edition with state health officials.
This includes a short schedule, requirements for participants to be vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, and a small audience to keep participants safe.
"We have decided to go to an in-presence festival because we truly believe that the collective experience is at the heart of a film festival," Chatrian said.
The Berlinale, which ranks among Europe's top cinema showcases along with Cannes and Venice, is set to run between February 10 and 20.
But screenings for journalists, critics and industry participants have been called off for seven days, followed by four days for the general public.
Cinemas and theaters are still open in Germany but most major events and fairs across the country have been canceled to try to stop the spread of the virus.