BERLIN — Ralph Fiennes’ modern take on Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus,” starring Gerard Butler; “Pina,” Wim Wenders’ 3D portrait of late choreographer Pina Bausch; and Sundance screener “The Future,” by Miranda July (“Me and You and Everyone We Know”) are among the first selections for next year’s main Competition section at the Berlin Intl. Film Festival.
“In 2011 we’ll once again be cooperating closely with the Sundance Film Festival not only at the European Film Market but also in the official program,” said Berlinale topper Dieter Kosslick.
“To offer independent films an opportunity to be perceived on a grand scale, we are, in the case of U.S.-American director Miranda July, opening up the competition for an extraordinary German-American co-production that will run out of competition in the Premieres section at Sundance.”
So far a total of eight titles have been announced, including Andreas Veiel’s “If Not Us, Who?” Returning to the subject matter of his 2001 documentary “Black Box Germany,” Veiel’s feature film debut examines the life of Gudrun Ensslin, a pastor’s daughter who became one of the leading figures in the Red Army Faction terrorist group. Pic stars August Diehl, Lena Lauzemis and Alexander Fehling.
Also vying for the Golden Bear will be another debut feature, Victoria Mahoney’s U.S. film “Yelling to the Sky,” starring with Zoe Kravitz, Gabourey Sidibe and Tim Blake Nelson, which will likewise have its world premiere at the 61st Berlinale.
Additional screeners include Seyfi Teoman’s Turkish title “Our Grand Despair” and Israeli feature “Lipstikka,” by Jonathan Sagall (“Urban Feel”).
Although unspooling in the main Competition section, “Coriolanus,” in which Fiennes also stars, and “Pina” will both screen out of competition, as will the previously announced “True Grit,” which opens the fest.
The Berlinale runs Feb. 10-20.