Shahrbanoo Sadat's 'There Are No Good Men' Opens Berlin International Film Festival

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, known as Berlinale, opened on Feb. 12 with a screening of "There Are No Good Men," directed by Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat. The film, her third feature-length work, is a co-production of Afghanistan, Germany, France, Norway and Denmark. It was screened at Potsdamer Platz during the opening ceremony, one of the world's premier cinematic gatherings that runs through Feb. 22.

The story follows Naru, a television journalist who divorces her husband after his betrayal and meets a reporter named Qudrat, changing her views on love and human relationships, according to Afghanistan International. Amu TV described it as the tale of an Afghan female cinematographer. Sadat plays the lead role of Naru, while Afghan writer and actor Anwar Hashmi portrays Qudrat. Filming took place in several German cities with Afghan actors.

Sadat, who left Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and now lives in Hamburg, Germany, told The Guardian that everyday Afghan life is not just war drama but includes humor, love and joy. She aimed to present a different image of Afghan women and men, beyond Western stereotypes, showing urban Afghan women as independent, strong and brave even under social pressures. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle called Sadat "one of the most exciting figures in world cinema" who took significant risks to make the film.

The film's selection as the opener places Sadat alongside renowned directors like Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers on the red carpet. Sadat's previous films "Wolf and Sheep" and "The Orphanage" received acclaim at Cannes and other festivals. It is slated for general release in German cinemas on Aug. 27, 2026.

The event occurs amid extensive restrictions on artistic activities in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, including bans on broadcasting live images on televisions in many provinces and the destruction of the historic Ariana cinema. Berlinale jury president Wim Wenders oversaw the proceedings, with celebrities such as Michelle Yeoh -- receiving an honorary Golden Bear -- Pamela Anderson, Ethan Hawke and Charli XCX expected to attend. Last year, the festival sold over 330,000 tickets.