娱乐英语新闻:Berlin Film Festival showcases bright stars and 3D

BERLIN, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 61st Berlin Film Festival ( Berlinale) promises big stars and an entire day of 3D filmmaking as part of the highlights.

At the first press conference held on Tuesday, Festival Director Dieter Kosslick revealed the 16 films vying for a Golden Bear prize in the main competition. He also named the stars in attendance and reflected on this year's push for new and innovative forms of filmmaking.

Next week's screenings will include about 400 films from 58 countries around the globe including a Gala screening, not in the main competition, of "Sacrifice" from Chinese director Chen Kaige.

"Under the Hawthorn Tree," from former Gold Bear winner Zhang Yimou, will also show as part of the Generation 14Plus section.

When questioned as to why so few Chinese films are making their debut at this year's Berlinale, Festival Director, Kosslick told Xinhua that "It has nothing to do with Chinese cinema; we have very good relations to Chinese Producers, Directors and Actors. Next year will be different. We will miss our Chinese friends."

Other buzzing stars, such as William Hurt, Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Kevin Spacey, Helena Bonham Carter and Collin Firth are all slated to make appearances.

Off the red carpet, Madonna is expected to cause a stir at this year's European Film Market with her new project "W.E".With the Jubilee year long gone, Berlinale is seeking a rebirth through new film innovations.

"After last year 60th birthday, which was huge and also exhausting we tried to start again from the very beginning. To discover new trends in World Cinema," Kosslick told the press on Tuesday.

While last year's European Film Market examined the future of 3D, the 61st Berlin Film Festival will finally bring 3D to the big screen.

Three films will show in 3D, including Wim Wender's dance film "Pina," which is a film created from the celebrated choreography of Pina Baucsh.

Werner Herzog, Jury President 2010, will also show his 3D documentary film "Cave of Forgotten Dreams."

The Coen Brothers will open the Berlin Film Festival on February 10th with their remake of the 1969 classic Western "True Grit," which was recently nominated for 10 Oscars. The film tells the story of a young girl who sets out to revenge her father's murderer.

Alongside the directors, cast members Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin and Hailee Steinfeld will be present."It's a true western," Kosslick explained to Xinhua, "The girl is the strongest part and not the man. It is a typical Berlin Film Festival film because we love woman power."

The official program will open next week and run from February 10th to 20th.