The 29th Berlin International Film Festival was held from 20 February – 3 March 1979.

[1] The Golden Bear was awarded to David directed by Peter Lilienthal.

[2] The retrospective was dedicated to Italian actor Rudolph Valentino and to another one titled "We Danced Around the World.

[3] Michael Cimino's The Deer Hunter selection for the main competition was surrounded by controversy,[4] as it was accused of racism, and several countries decided to withdraw their films from the festival in protest.

[5] The following people were announced as being on the jury for the festival:[6] The following films were in competition for the Golden Bear award: The following films were shown in the retrospective dedicated to Rudolph Valentino: The following prizes were awarded by the Jury:[2]