OPINION: THE GLITZY FILM FESTIVAL WITH A HEART OF GOLD

Deutsche Welle, Germany
Feb 19 2007

The 57th International Berlin Film festival drew to a close Saturday
with the announcement of the Competition winners. Star-studded as
it was, the event never forgot its social conscience, says DW’s
Silke Bartlick.

Every year, the entertainment spotlight turns to the German capital
for the annual Berlin Film Festival. For 10 days every February, the
city becomes the cinematic center of the world, attracting some of
the biggest names in the industry. This year’s A-list guests included
actors Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon, Charlotte Rampling and Sharon Stone,
as well as directors Francois Ozon and Bille August.

Jennifer Lopez lit up the red carpet with classic Hollywood star
wattage, vamping it up in glamorous contrast to her on-screen
character. In "Bordertown," la Lopez plays an ambitious reporter
investigating a series of mysterious murders on the Mexican border.

The movie is based on true events that took place in the early 1990s
in Ciudad Juarez, where hundreds of young women working in American
factories across the border were killed. Festival director Dieter
Kosslick even flew in several of the victims’ mothers for the press
conference.

It was a gesture of compassion, but one that was also designed to
remind the public that this glitzy event has a political agenda —
which Kosslick is at constant pains to emphasize.

This is the film festival with a social conscience, as both the movie
selection and the choice of winners demonstrate every year. Most
of the 400-off films shown during the festival serve as a comment
on the state of the world and its recent history. Themes include
discrimination, war, racism, poverty and social exclusion — as well
as courage and personal fortitude. They explore the seamier side of
capitalism and globalization and don’t shy away from controversial
topics — for example "La masseria delle allodole" (The Lark Farm) by
Italian directors Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, a movie which tackles the
Armenian genocide that took place in Turkey in the early 20th century.

So much to worthy topics. Artistically, many of the films featured
in the festival were less impressive — although they were all well
attended. Most movie showings were sold out, and thousands of people
stood in line everyday in the hope of snaring a ticket. People of all
ages and nationalities, with one thing in common — their appreciation
of intelligent cinema.

The robust business going on at the European Film Market, taking place
along side the festival, also suggests that Kosslick’s much-touted
"socially aware" festival does in fact put its money where its
mouth is. Some 70 percent of the 618 films, including more than 400
market premieres, were festival entries. So not only is the festival
showcasing cinema from around the world, it’s also helping them get
distribution.

In this respect, the festival is contributing to an international
cultural dialogue that continues long after the event has come to
an end. Another of its strong points is its Talent Campus, which
brings together several hundred young film-makers from around the
world and gives them an opportunity to meet and learn from industry
professionals. Every year, last year’s participants get to show the
fruits of their labor. It’s a resounding success — as is the entire
Berlin Film Festival.

Silke Bartlick covers culture for DW-RADIO’s German program (jp).