Scorsese and Polanski At 2010 Berlinale

Roman Polanski, who is under house arrest in Switzerland while awaiting word about an extredition proceeding that may bring him back to a United States prison, will be represented at the upcoming Berlinale (even though Polanski will, presumably, only be there in spirit). The controversial filmmaker's latest film THE GHOST WRITER, an adaptation of novelist Philip Roth's tome, is one of the high profile films announced that will be competing for the Golden Bear prize at the 60th edition of the esteemed German film festival. The film, which stars Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattrall and Olivia Williams will be making its World Premiere at the event. 

Another high profile title that will have its premiere in Berlin is SHUTTER ISLAND, director Martin Scorsese's latest thriller, with a starry cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, and Max von Sydow. The long delayed film will screen out of competition in a world premiere slot.  

So far, only seven films have been announced, with the remaining titles hailing from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, India, Iran, Turkey and the UK, all making their world premieres in Berlin. They include:

Bal (Honey) Turkey / Germany

by Semih Kaplanoglu, with Bora Altas, Erdal Besikcioglu, Tülin Özen, Alev Ucarer, Ayse Altay

Der Räuber (The Robber) Austria / Germany

by Benjamin Heisenberg, with Andreas Lust, Franziska Weisz. World premiere

My Name Is Khan India

by Karan Johar, with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

Na Putu (On the Path) Bosnia and Herzegovina / Austria / Germany / Croatia

by Jasmila Žbanić, with Zrinka Cvitešić (Shooting Star 2010), Leon Lucev, Ermin Bravo, Mirjana Karanović

Shekarchi (The Hunter) Germany / Iran

by Rafi Pitts, with Rafi Pitts, Mitra Hajjar, Ali Nicksaulat, Hassan Ghalenoi World premiere

Richard Meinking, Contributor, Berlin Film Festival Dailies