The Berlin Music Video Awards (BMVA), Europe’s biggest music video festival, is making its highly anticipated return from June 12-14, 2025. BMVA brings together visionary artists, directors, and industry professionals from around the world. Beyond honoring excellence in 16 diverse categories, the festival has also made a name for itself as a runway of self-expression, where participants showcase spectacular and daring fashion styles that blur the lines between art and attitude.
At BMVA, creativity isn’t just celebrated; it’s worn, performed, and even inked into the skin. This year, taking artistic expression to the next level, renowned tattoo artist Jade will leave a permanent mark on the festival. Winners will have a chance to receive an exclusive tattoo, turning their victory into a lifelong piece of art.
Lick, Splash, Dance – Welcome to BMVA!
Before the competition heats up, BMVA invites guests to cool down in style. The Ice Cream & Pool Opening Party, featuring free treats from Nomoo, offers the perfect blend of summer vibes, music, and sweet indulgence. Whether you’re taking a dip, enjoying the beats, or simply savoring a scoop, this kickoff event sets the tone for a festival where creativity, fun, and community go hand in hand
As the energy builds from the poolside fun, it transitions into the exciting world of visual storytelling. Here, high-budget productions compete with experimental underground gems, showcasing the full range of artistic innovation that the festival honors. 150 videos will compete this year, 16 golden trophies will be handed over, and only one final winner will take home 6000 Euros.
Household Names vs. New Faces: Who’s gonna win?
Drake & J. Cole’s „First Person Shooter“, a cinematic spectacle, owes its nomination to the exceptional work of Mathematic, Karen Arakelian, Pendulum, Scissor Films, Black Hat & Aid6n.edits. Their expertise brings to life a high-energy, action-packed visual experience that matches the track’s intensity, proving that VFX can be just as dynamic as the artists themselves.
Drake – First Person Shooter ft. J. Cole
On the other end of the spectrum, IZZY SPEARS’ „BURN“ ft. LEYA embraces a raw and surreal aesthetic, crafted by the visionary talents at ZHEESHEE and ATAKA51. This video distorts reality with glitch-heavy effects and eerie compositions, showcasing how innovative VFX can turn a music video into an immersive, otherworldly experience.
IZZY SPEARS – BURN FT. LEYA (Official Video)
VFX isn’t the only category where technological innovation takes center stage at BMVA. The festival ramps up with daring fashion, vibrant energy, and boundary-pushing creativity. The guests of the festival may feel like “Alice In Wonderland” while watching the videos across all categories.
Check the full list of nominees over here:
https://www.berlinmva.com/main/nominees-2025/
New faces in the jury panel!
As the festival ramps up with daring fashion, vibrant energy, and boundary-pushing creativity, one of the standout figures at BMVA this year is Melita Radocaj (@ctrl_cd), who will be a judge in the Best AI and Best Art Director categories. Known for her groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence in music videos, Radocaj has become a leading voice in blending technology with artistry. Her innovative vision is transforming the way we experience music videos, offering a fresh perspective on how AI can enhance visual storytelling. As a judge, she brings her expertise to the forefront, helping to recognize the most innovative and striking work in these categories. Whether it’s her ability to design immersive digital landscapes or craft intricate visual narratives, Melita’s influence will be a key part of this year’s BMVA, where technology and artistry collide in the most exciting and unpredictable ways.
Other new judges include:
Daryush Shokof – Best Narrative, Best Music Video
Arabella Bartsch – Best Narrative, Best Concept
Roman Havrila (IG: the_fear_ai) – Best AI
Carla Massolini (2024 winner) – Best Experimental
Christian Luoma – Best AI
Jo Morel – Best Performer
Some words from the founder and producer, Aviel Silook:
As BMVA 2025 approaches, we’re excited to see how creativity and innovation take center stage. What does the festival mean to you, and how do you think it’s shaping the future of music videos? Here are some words from Aviel Silook, the creative mind behind the event:
When I founded the Berlin Music Video Awards in 2012, it was an experiment born from my passion for music videos and the creative energy that surrounds them. Back then, the videos we received were often simple, with a strong focus on music and visuals, but nothing like the multidisciplinary, cutting-edge works we get today.
Over the years, the festival has evolved from a small event to a major highlight for creatives. The networking aspect has grown significantly, and it’s become a ‚must-attend‘ event for anyone in the creative industries.
I’ve organized many events in the past, but none had the potential of the BMVA. Unlike the often superficial nightlife scene, this festival has depth! It’s not just about showcasing music videos but about creating a space where people can connect, share ideas, and gain confidence in their work.
For many of the filmmakers and musicians who participate, this recognition is more than just a nomination; it’s a validation of their hard work and a counterpoint to the voices that have told them they should pursue ‚better‘ careers.
When nominees tell me that being recognized by the BMVA motivates them and inspires them to keep going, that’s my personal award. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we’re not just hosting a festival but also helping people at the start of their careers find their voice. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, and I’m excited to continue supporting more creatives in the years to come.
For more information on submissions, tickets, and event details, visit https://www.berlinmva.com/
Media Contact:
Berlin Music Video Awards
info@berlinmva.com |www.berlinmva.com
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