Get ready, film enthusiasts! The 76th Berlin International Film Festival is set to launch with a powerful statement: the world premiere of No Good Men on February 12, 2026. This isn't just any film; it's the third feature from the award-winning Afghan director, Shahrbanoo Sadat, and it's poised to captivate audiences at the Berlinale Palast.
Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle has high praise, calling Sadat "one of the most exciting voices in world cinema." She emphasizes how No Good Men builds upon the promise of Sadat's earlier works, bringing a blend of romance and humor to a politically charged narrative that shines a light on the lives of Afghan women. The fact that the film is based on real events, and that the director took significant risks to bring it to life, adds an extra layer of meaning to its selection as the Opening Gala.
Sadat's previous films, Wolf and Sheep (2016) and Parwareshgah (The Orphanage, 2019), both garnered critical acclaim, with the latter receiving support from the Berlinale World Cinema Fund. No Good Men continues her unique cinematic journey as a director, writer, and actor, promising a film that is both personal and political. It's also the third installment in a planned series of five films based on the autobiographical writings of Anwar Hashimi, who also stars in the film.
The film's plot centers around Naru (played by Sadat herself), the only female camerawoman at Kabul TV, who believes there are no good men in Afghanistan. However, her perspective begins to shift when she's assigned to work with the reporter Qodrat just before the Taliban's return. This sparks a connection, forcing her to re-evaluate her beliefs.
Sadat herself has stated, "Growing up in Afghanistan’s deeply patriarchal society, I believed there were no good men - until I found out another reality exists, and I hope this film offers young women hope and young men an example."
No Good Men is an international co-production involving Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, and Afghanistan. The production companies include Adomeit Film, La Fabrica Nocturna Cinéma, Motlys, Amerikafilm, and Wolf Pictures. The film received public funding from various German sources, including MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg-Schleswig-Holstein, the German Federal Film Board (FFA), the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, nordmedia, and MV Filmförderung. Filming took place in various locations across Germany.
But here's where it gets interesting: The German release of No Good Men is scheduled for August 27, 2026. The world premiere will be a Berlinale Special Gala at the Berlinale Palast, with the cast and crew in attendance.
What do you think? Does the premise of No Good Men intrigue you? Are you excited to see how Sadat continues to explore the lives of Afghan women? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
