New Comedy Film on the Quest to Get Into Berghain Is Brewing

An upcoming comedy film captures the wild challenge of entering Berlin’s iconic Berghain nightclub.

The Ultimate Nightclub Challenge Hits the Big Screen

If you've ever dreamt of stepping through the infamous doors of Berghain, you already know it's not your average nightclub experience. Now, a fresh comedy film is gearing up to dive headfirst into the frenzy and intrigue surrounding the hunt to get inside this legendary Berlin hotspot.

The infamous queue outside Berghain, a rite of passage for many clubbers.

This untitled movie is inspired by a multi-part episode from the podcast Search Engine, cheekily named ‘Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain?’. The podcast chronicles the hilarious and frustrating saga of two American friends who fly across the Atlantic just to face the club’s notoriously strict door policy.

Crafting Comedy from Clubbing Culture

The brainpower behind this film is none other than Bowen Yang—yes, the Saturday Night Live and Wicked star—and his partner in comedy crime, Matt Rogers from the Las Culturistas podcast. The two are not only penning the script, but they’ll also star as the lead characters, promising a blend of sharp wit, insider observations, and a fan’s loving satire of the ultra-exclusive club scene.

The film is set to be produced and distributed by Disney’s Searchlight Pictures, though no official title or release date has been set yet. But if you’re a fan of Yang’s clever humor, this one’s definitely on the radar.

Berghain: More Than Just a Club

For those uninitiated, Berghain is not just a club—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Housed in a vast, industrial space with a massive sound system that pulses techno into the night, Berghain is famed for its queer-friendly atmosphere and an entry policy that’s as strict as it is mysterious.

The long, winding queues that snake its entrance are almost as legendary as the music itself. The bouncers, especially Sven Marquardt, the most famously recognized face at the door, are known for sizing up hopeful revellers on how well they embody the club’s unique ethos.

“The door policy is less about what you wear and more about your vibe.”
— Sven Marquardt

Sven even landed a cheeky cameo in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), proving his cultural cachet goes far beyond the club’s threshold.

Berghain’s Cultural Resonance Extends to Music

The club’s magnetic pull doesn’t stop at Berlin’s borders. It inspired a track on Rosalía’s 2023 album Lux, featuring the otherworldly voices of Björk and Yves Tumor. Interestingly, the song ‘Berghain’ draws from the German meaning of the word—“mountain grove”—rather than directly from the club itself. Rosalía’s creative nod shows how Berghain’s mystique transcends just nightlife, embedding itself in global music culture.

A Club Protected as Cultural Heritage

In 2021, Berghain was officially recognized by the German federal government as a cultural institution. This designation helps safeguard the club's future by providing tax benefits and aiding recovery efforts post-pandemic. It’s a testament to the club’s importance not just as a party venue but as a vital part of Berlin’s artistic and social fabric.

Berghain’s Door Drama Lives On

The club’s door policy remains the stuff of legends and occasional memes. Remember when Elon Musk reportedly refused to enter in 2022, allegedly offended by a ‘PEACE’ sign on the wall? Whether he was denied or self-excluded, the incident only adds to Berghain’s enigmatic aura.

Berghain’s allure isn’t just about techno beats—it’s about belonging to an exclusive, unspoken club of those “in the know.” This new comedy promises to capture the anticipation, the rejection, and the pure absurdity of trying to crack the code of one of the world’s most secretive nightlife scenes.

FAQ

• What is Berghain known for?
  Berghain is famous worldwide for its cutting-edge techno music, enormous industrial setting, and a selective door policy that makes entry a coveted trophy.
• Who is Bowen Yang and what role does he play in the new film?
  Bowen Yang is a comedian and actor from Saturday Night Live and Wicked. He will co-write and star in the new comedy film about trying to get into Berghain.
• Why is Berghain’s door policy so strict?
  The club aims to preserve a particular atmosphere by carefully choosing guests based on their vibe and fit rather than just appearance or popularity.
• How has Berghain influenced music outside Berlin?
  Artists like Rosalía have drawn inspiration from the club, even naming tracks after it and collaborating with notable musicians to capture its spirit.
• What does it mean that Berghain is a cultural institution?
  The German government’s designation helps protect the club’s heritage, giving it tax benefits and aid, especially after pandemic hardships.

If you love the vibe of Berlin’s iconic club scene, why not bring a piece of it home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and club-inspired art at our store here and keep the spirit alive in your own space.