Glamour with a Heart

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).