Berlinale 2009

Lights, camera, action: welcome to Berlinale 2009

Jan 5th, 2009 by apartmentblogger

Berlinale 2009

Berlin is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city and as such, every year (since 1951) it celebrates one of the most important film festivals in the world: The Berlin International Film Festival, this year being its 59th edition. More than 19,000 film professionals from 120 different countries will gather in the German capital next February (5th to 15th) to celebrate this epic event. With more than 200,000 tickets sold, this festival is much more than just a film event. During these two weeks, art, culture and the most glamorous and fashionable parties will take place here in Berlin. Parallel to this year’s event is a festival of films for children, an international youth cinema forum and another event showing German films.

The Berlinale is a showcase for German films par excellence. The highlight of the ceremony is the gold and silver Bear awards granted by an international jury in different categories. Films that are competing from the world over will also be premiered at the festival. British actress Tilda Swinton who won an Oscar for her supporting role in the film Michael Clayton (2007) will be the president of the jury for this year’s Festival.

A film by German director Tom Tykwer, “The International” will officially open The Berlin International Film Festival 2009. This film, with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts as the main stars will be the highlight of the festival, since it is the current work of Germany’s most popular film director. Also, by participating in the Berlinale this will also serve as a prelude to its international premiere.

Another thing to watch out for is American actor Joe Dallesandro who will receive an award as a tribute to his career. New films by Maren Ade, Sally Potter, Chen Kaige, Rachid Bouchareb and Lukas Moodysson as well as a directorial debut by Oren Movermanand will be vying in the Competition for the Golden and Silver Bears.

Some of the films nominated are: the latest by Stephen Daldry, “The Reader”, based on the bestseller by Bernhard Schlink, Maren Ade will be flying the German flag with “Alle Anderen” a film that will have to compete with tough competition such as “Rage”, a British-American film by Sally Potter, along with “The Messenger” from USA, which also happens to be a directorial debut for Oren Moverman, and “London River”, a French/Algerian/British film

by Rachid Bouchareb and finally a north-European co-production, entitled “Mammoth” Sweden / Germany / Denmark that is also in the running. Berlin has captured the imagination of countless filmmakers. Time and again, the city has served as the backdrop for the big screen.

Very soon, the city will play host to The Berlin International Film Festival for two whole weeks. Are you going to miss out on this fine and culturally rich experience? Rent apartments in Berlin to enjoy and get the most out of this most amazing European film festival.