Kurfürstendamm 225 is almost as old as film itself, still it was not until 1948 that the onetime restaurant was converted for use as a cinema, the courtyard converted into a gorgeous Art Deco theater by architect E.J. Kuhnert.

Now that the main competitions have moved to Potsdamer Platz, the classy Astor Film Lounge and former city favourite, Filmpalast Berlin, hosts the Berlinale Special program.