Berlin Film Festival to Honor Max Richter With Special Focus on Hamnet

The Berlin International Film Festival will spotlight film composer Max Richter during its 2026 edition, recognizing his work in cinema and his expanding role in narrative filmmaking. The festival plans a special focus tied to his upcoming film project Hamnet.

The film is directed by Chloé Zhao and is based on the novel Hamnet. The project brings together Zhao’s visual style and Richter’s score-driven approach, with music positioned as a central storytelling element rather than background accompaniment.

As part of the recognition, the festival will host screenings and related events connected to Hamnet, highlighting the role of original composition in shaping emotional tone and pacing. 

The honor reflects Richter’s long-standing presence across film, television, and concert music, as well as his recent collaborations with major directors.The Berlin International Film Festival has increasingly highlighted composers in recent years. This focus aligns with a broader industry trend that places greater emphasis on music as a core creative force in contemporary cinema.