15/12/2008

On Friday, the organisers of the 59th Berlin International Film Festival (February 5-15, 2009) announced the first ten titles selected in official competition (including four out of competition). European, and in particular German films, are well represented in the line-up.

Festival director Dieter Kosslick commented: "Many of the chosen films explore the globalised world and its impact on people’s private lives. These works tell of significant encounters, resistance and traumatic experiences. International crises are reflected in them, as well as the hope of a better world". Kosslick also pointed out that the selection includes films by both young directors and renowned filmmakers.

Besides the opening title – Tom Tykwer’s The International (out of competition) – the official competition also includes the international premieres of the German film Anderen [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Maren Ade
film profile] by Maren Ade (The Forest for the Trees), starring Birgit Minichmayr (Cherry Blossoms – Hanami [+see also:
trailer
film profile], in competition last year) and Lars Eidinger as a couple who spend their holidays arguing; and Lukas Moodysson’s Mammoth [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] (Sweden/Germany/Denmark), featuring Gael Garcia Bernal.

Further films include the international premieres of Rachid Bouchareb’s UK/French/Algerian co-production London River [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]; Sally Potter’s UK/US co-production Rage [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], starring Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench, Jude Law and Steve Buscemi; Oren Moverman’s The Messenger (US); and Chinese film Forever Enthralled by Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine).

Screening out of competition are the international premieres of Theo Angelopoulos’ Greek/German/Italian/Russian co-production, The Dust of Time [+see also:
trailer
film profile], starring Irene Jacob, Michel Piccoli, Willem Dafoe and Bruno Ganz, and Rebecca Miller’s US title The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, starring Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder; and German/US film The Reader [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Stephen Daldry (The Hours), featuring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross and Alexandra Maria Lara.

Towards the end of the festival, the international premiere of Harald Zwart’s The Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin and France’s Jean Reno, will add a touch of humour.

(Translated from French)