Germany's premier film festival kicks off in Berlin

Feb 10, 2012

Berlin's 62nd Film Festival started Thursday, February 9, with a host of international movie titles making their world premier. Attracting record audiences, the competition will screen 400 titles over the next 10 days.

The 62nd Berlin Film Festival got underway Thursday, with a period drama set against the backdrop of the French revolution opening the 10-day movie competition.

Guests arrive for the premiere of the movie 'Farewell, My Queen' ('Les Adieux à la reine') during the 62nd Berlinale. Enlarge image Guests arrive for the premiere of the movie 'Farewell, My Queen' ('Les Adieux à la reine') during the 62nd Berlinale. (© dpa) French director Benoit Jacquot's "Les Adieux a la Reine" (Farewell my Queen) will be screened along with films from motion picture heavyweights such as China and the United States. Also vying for top festival honors are films from up and coming regions like Southeast Asia.

The Berlinale's eight-member jury, headed by British film director Mike Leigh, have a big task ahead of them. Eighteen films all making their global debut will vie for the top prize - the Golden Bear for best film. Other jury members include French-British actress Charlotte Gainsbourg and Hollywood's Jake Gyllenhaal.

Hollywood stars such as "Twilight" actor Robert Pattinson, Angelia Jolie and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan are expected to attend Germany's premier film festival.

Four hundred films will be screened during what is the world's biggest film festival in terms of audience turn out.

© Deutsche Welle

Germany's premier film festival kicks off in Berlin

62nd Berlinale brings world of film to Berlin

The 62nd Berlinale runs from 9 to 19 February 2012

When international film stars Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Shah Rukh Khan and Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson tread across the red carpet against a flurry of flashbulbs at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival, one hopes they will be wrapped, like the festival’s iconic bear, in layers of furry warmth.