Okay, we take a hard right overseas to Germany after the Super Bowl for the 2024 Berlin Film Festival Bets. Bovada online sportsbook delivered us some of the earliest odds for this event. The nominations roll in with a total of 20 films. That remains partly the reason why this festival is so long. Now, keep in mind, this event lasts until February 25th. Consider that the opening begins on Thursday night.
| 2024 Berlin Film Festival Numbers |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Golden Bear | |||
| Pepe | +300 | +250 | +300 |
| Black Tea | +400 | +350 | +350 |
| Shambhala | +450 | +475 | +500 |
| Dahomey | +700 | +650 | +700 |
| My Favorite Cake | +800 | +800 | +800 |
| A Traveler's Needs | +900 | +900 | +950 |
| Who Do I Belong To? | +900 | +1000 | +1000 |
The 2024 Berlin Film Festival Bets looks at the festival and the favorites for The Golden Bear first. Again, this is one of the most prestigious events in the entertainment calendar. Just because it does not get the press in the United States does not diminish the glow and honor here. Simply, think about the who’s who of Honorary Golden Bears handed out. These are honors not taken lightly.
Yes, Martin Scorsese is this year’s recipient of the Honorary Golden Bear. The Italian-American director has won 20 Oscars (101 nominations) and counting. Five of his films are in the National Film Registry at the Library Of Congress. The best part for festival goers will be the screening of “The Departed.” Scorsese expects to stick around and offer his two cents on the “Golden Bear” race.
So, there are a few favorites for The Golden Bear. Honestly, this gets more and more difficult every year. There are so many great films including “My Favorite Cake.” Iranian filmmakers seem to get arrested often these days sadly and this has happened again. Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moqadam will not get to see their film viewed in Berlin. At +800, they are not in the top tier but awfully close.
The dilemma is where to place Pepe, Black Tea, and Shambhala. Now, there are always surprises but this top tier of films have been close for some time. Some argue Shambhala at +450 (+500 on BetUS) has the best chance of the three because of the later February 23rd showing. This is not always an indication at Berlin. Now, these juries seem to like the Iranian Film and that is shown on the 16th. Hmmm.
So, we talk about the top tier of films. Yes, there are three excellent films and My Favorite Cake this year. The 2024 Berlin Film Festival Bets examine some other realities. Already, VegasBetting expounded on the later showing. Sometimes that helps and sometimes that does not. This is not the longest film (Dying at 183 minutes is) but the Nepalese film is a sweeping epic nonetheless.
With wagers possible from various angles, film festivals take on a life of their own. Look at previous winners for somewhat of a clue here but do not base your strategy solely on one aspect. This is voted on again by juries. So, the dynamic of voting here is far different than say the Oscars, Grammy Awards, etc.
So, again this film focuses on a woman coming of age on her terms. She searches out for her husband in an unforgiving wilderness. As Perma finds her freedom and self discovery step by step, she truly realizes how important life is and how to live it too.
Simply, numbers might move again over the next several days. Keep an eye on where and when the books may close on betting. That is important too. However, the juries will be swayed here by one of the top favorites. Also, this movie is one of the few films that does not drag for a 2 1/2 hour piece. That is rare in international films and a big reason why the movie has clout here.
Okay, how about some Pepe and Black Tea in the 2024 Berlin Film Festival Bets. The challenge lies in trying to figure out these two films and if they have a chance. Last year saw “On The Adamant” surprise many and win. Nicolas Philibert nailed it and with a later showing swayed quite a few in the jury pool. For the record, Pepe will be shown on February 20th and Black Tea on the 21st.
Now, Black Tea is different and features a woman from the Ivory Coast who rejects her groom on her Wedding Day, goes to China, and meets an older Chinese man. Of course, sparks fly, a relationship ensues, but so do many cultural biases and history.
Then, there is the favorite of favorites, “Pepe.” Naturally, this movie comes from a completely alternative perspective. A ghost of a hippo narrated by a human is not on the scorecard of expected. However, where the hippo has been and the stories it weaves are an immense mix of genres and styles. Consequently, this made the film hard to classify and may be its biggest obstacle here.
For the 2024 Berlin Film Festival Bets, picking Black Tea is probably a safer bet of the two films. Pepe is culturally profound but again consider the jury pool and the films it is competing with.
BetUS Online Sportsbook Review offers more entertainment numbers for this event. Expect this to be quite the festival and extravaganza in Berlin. By the way, Martin Scorsese’s pick was indeed “My Favorite Cake.”
Finally, we have some more great online news and picks.
