Berlinale. Forum. (And stars.)

"The 38th Forum of the Berlinale is showing a truly world-spanning and diverse program with films from 33 countries and all continents," announces the festival. "One emphasis again this year is the experimental, unconventional, imaginative work of young filmmakers; the program presents a total of 16 directorial debuts."

In addition to the 36 films unveiled here, there'll be this nifty salute: "On the occasion of the international premiere of his impressive three-hour feature film on the Japanese terrorist group United Red Army, a tribute is paid to maverick director Wakamatsu Koji by three 'pinku eiga.' Along with Secrets Behind the Wall, with which the director caused quite a stir in the 1965 Berlinale Competition, the Forum is also showing the classics Go, Go Second Time Virgin (1969) and Ecstasy of the Angels (1972)."

Updated.

Update: Meanwhile, in Der Tagesspiegel, Andreas Conrad confirms that all four Rolling Stones and Martin Scorsese will attend the premiere of Berlinale's opening night film, Shine a Light, on February 7.

Patti Smith will be giving "an exclusive-to-Germany concert of poetry and music" in the Passionskirche on February 8 to accompany the screening Steven Sebring's documentary about her, Dream of Life.

Among many other celebs likely to make a showing:

• Madonna, who's bringing Filth and Wisdom.

• The There Will Be Blood traveling road show (Paul Thomas Anderson, Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano).

• Antonio Banderas, who's produced Tres días.

And Tilda Swinton will be in Berlin for three reasons: Julia, in Competition; a documentary on Derek Jarman, screening in the Panorama section; and she'll be accepting an honorary Teddy for doing to so much to keep Jarman's memory alive.

Posted by dwhudson at January 17, 2008 4:12 AM