International Film Festival

[Anchor Lead]

The Berlin International Film Festival, one of the top 3 international film galas, has kicked off. Five South Korean films have been invited this year. South and North Korean film figures are also expected to meet during the festival to celebrate the centennial of Korean cinema.

[Pkg]

The 69th Berlin International Film Festival has kicked off with a splendid red carpet event. Danish writer-director Lone Scherfig's “The Kindness of Strangers” was the opening film. 17 entries including the opener will compete for the prestigious Golden Bear prize awarded for the best film. No Korean film made it to the competition section this year. But five Korean films have been invited to other categories including director Lee Su-jin's "Idol" for the Panorama section and Korean-Chinese director Zhang Lu's "Fukuoka" for the Forum section. Actor Sol Kyung Gu and actress Chun Woo Hee starring in "Idol" will also meet with audience members in Berlin. The tradition of strong presence of political and social movies at the Berlin festival is expected to continue this year.

[Soundbite] Juliette Binoche(Head of Judging Panel)

A Korean film night is also scheduled in the evening of February 11th. The event will introduce Korean films invited this year and also shed light on the 100 year history of Korean cinema. Three North Korean film officials will attend an academic forum marking the Korean centennial to be held at the Free University of Berlin on February 15th, as the two Koreas will seek to work on cinematic exchanges. Altogether, some 400 films will be featured during the Berlin festival which is on until February 17th.