The 57th Berlin
International Film Festival opens today, 8th
February and
ends on February 18th, 2007.
Around 400 films are shown every year as part of the Berlinale's
public programme, the vast majority of which are world or
European premieres. Films of every genre, length and format
can be submitted for consideration.
The Berlinale is divided into different
sections, each with its own unique profile: big international
movies in the Competition, independent and art-house productions
in Panorama, movies for a young audience in the Generation and its Kplus and 14plus programmes, the most exciting
German cinema productions in Perspektive
Deutsches Kino,
and an in-depth look at films from "distant" countries
and experimental forms in the International
Forum of New Cinema. The programme is rounded off by a thematic Retrospective and a Homage, which focuses on the lifework of a great
cinema personality. Both of these sections, which are curated
by the Berlin Film Museum, aim to place contemporary cinema
within a historical context.
The Berlin International Film Festival sees itself as a
showcase for what is happening in cinema, but also as an
actor and propagator on the international film circuit. Whether
through panels, film series, workshops or moderated pitching
- the Berlinale offers countless forms of co-operation and
creative interaction.
Under the presidency of Paul Schrader, a seven-member international
jury will decide who will take home this year's Golden and
Silver Bears. The Competition programme comprises 26 films,
including 19 world premieres, six International premieres
and one European premiere. Four films are to be presented
out of competition.
Films in the Competition Programme include 300, Goodbye
Bafana, La Vie En Rose, Letters from Iwo Jima, In Memory
of Myself, Notes on a Scandal, The Good German and The Good
Shepherd.
The Berlinale has been even more committed to supporting
the next generation of film makers since 2006, when it introduced
the Best First Feature Award. This
year, a dedicated, three person international jury will decide
on the best debut film. The award is endowed with 50,000 euros, donated by the GWFF
(Gesellschaft zur Wahrnehmung von Film- und Fernsehrecht),
a society dedicated to safeguarding film and television rights.
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