Report from film premiere

'Tristan Forever' at the Berlinale 2026

Representing Tristan da Cunha on the World Stage

Report and photos from Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall

Louise and I were honoured to represent Tristan da Cunha at this year's Berlin Film Festival, the Berlinale 2026, alongside Glenda and Holly Rogers. We attended as guests of HugoFilm (Switzerland) for the premiere of Tristan Forever, a full length docufiction showcasing the island's unique landscape and community spirit.

Tristan Forever tells the story of the island through the eyes of its people, blending documentary-style realism with cinematic storytelling to capture life on one of the world's most remote inhabited islands.

Philip and Louise Kendall arriving at the theatre with islanders Glenda and Holly Rogers who starred in the film.

Philip and Louise Kendall arriving at the theatre with islanders Glenda and Holly Rogers who starred in the film.

Philip Kendall with Co-Director and star actor Loran Bonnardot before the premiere.

A Red-Carpet Experience

On the day of the screening, 15 February 2026, we were picked up from our hotel in official Berlinale limousines and transported to the theatre. Upon arrival, we joined cast and crew members on the red carpet, including Loran Bonnardot, the main star of the film, Tobias Nölle, the film's director and cameraman, both of whom we had come to know well during their time on Tristan. Producer Christof Neracher was also there, along with many others.

Inside the venue, with an audience of over 700 people, we were delighted to see Dr Gunther, Lucy, and Father Dominic, three long-standing friends of Tristan now living in Germany.
Philip Kendall with Co-Director and star actor Loran Bonnardot before the premiere.
©SWISS FILMS, photo by Mario Heller

Part of the sold-out audience to watch the premiere of Tristan Forever on 15th February 2026

Part of the sold-out audience to watch the premiere of Tristan Forever on 15th February 2026
and showing Glenda, Holly, Philip and Louise in the second row.
©SWISS FILMS, photo by Mario Heller

Click on the image to view the official trailer. Alternatively, you can view it on Youtube at:
https://youtu.be/EGEboW8jaVE

A Warm Reception

The film received loud and heartfelt applause from the 700+ audience and after the screening, Loran, Tobias, Glenda, Holly, and I were invited onto the stage alongside Christof for a Q&A session with the audience. Their interest and enthusiasm for the island and its community were truly uplifting.

Principal actors present including Loran Bonnardot, Glenda Rogers, her daughter Holly Rogers and Philip Kendall make speeches and answer questions after the premiere.

Principal actors present including Loran Bonnardot, Glenda Rogers, her daughter Holly Rogers
and Philip Kendall make speeches and answer questions after the premiere. Photo: Louise Kendall

Director Tobias Nölle with Loran Bonnardot, Philip Kendall, Glenda and Holly Rogers at the premiere.
©SWISS FILMS, photo by Mario Heller

All Tristan Forever's cast and production team present at the premiere of the film gathered on 15th February.

All Tristan Forever's cast and production team present at the premiere of the film gathered on 15th February.
©SWISS FILMS, photo by Mario Heller

Celebrating Tristan on the Global Cultural Map

The Berlinale provided a unique opportunity to share Tristan da Cunha's story with international audiences, strengthening cultural connections and raising awareness of this remarkable island in the South Atlantic. I was extremely proud of Glenda and Holly, for whom this was a journey of firsts - first flight, first train journey, first visit to Europe etc. Both of them are excellent ambassadors for their community.

Celebrating the highly successful Tristan Forever premiere with a meal in Berlin City Centre.

Celebrating the highly successful Tristan Forever premiere with a meal in Berlin City Centre.

Some reviews of Tristan Forever:

The Film Stage

A reflective review praising the film's melancholic tone, striking cinematography, and existential themes, calling it a compelling journey of belonging.

Cineuropa

Cineuropa highlights the film's psychological depth and immersive camerawork, emphasising Bonnardot's emotional struggle to settle on the world's most remote island.

Modern Times Review

A poetic meditation on isolation and belonging, applauded for its dreamlike visuals and exploration of the emotional challenges of beginning anew.

Glenda and Holly enjoying their celebration evening after the film premiere triumph.

Glenda and Holly enjoying their celebration evening after the film premiere triumph.

Variety

A genre-blurring portrait of obsession and solitude, shaped by the film's minimalistic aesthetic and instinctive filmmaking in a remote setting.

Business Doc Europe

An existential adventure capturing the cultural quirks of Tristan and the protagonist's personal dilemmas as he attempts to build a life in profound isolation.

Philip and Louise Kenddall join Glenda and Holly Rogers on 16th February for more media attention.

Philip and Louise Kendall join Glenda and Holly Rogers on 16th February for more media attention.

Glenda and Holly Rogers get the Hollywood treatment from photographers anxious to capture new stars of the silver screen from Tristan da Cunha.

Glenda and Holly Rogers get the Hollywood treatment from photographers
anxious to capture new stars of the silver screen from Tristan da Cunha.

To find out more see the first Tristan Forever page: Tristan Forever