Berlin's International Film Festival kicks off

This year's Berlin Film Festival will showcase some of the very best films of the year, as well as highlighting the attractions of its host city.

Beginning on Thursday 10 February, the 61st Berlin International Film Festival is the first major European film festival of the year. Culminating in an awards ceremony on the final day, 20 February, the festival has gained such a following that it is now second only to Cannes in terms of prestige.

This year, sixteen films will be competing to win the 'Golden Bear' award for Best Picture, said Festival director Dieter Kosslick, who added that independent feature films seemed to be the top pick this year.

Scott Roxborough from The Hollywood Reporter said, "Berlin is toning down the Hollywood glitz and upping the indie grit ... with few mainstream titles but many intriguing art house features in the running for this year's Golden Bear."

Amongst the films in contention include the Coen brothers' Western re-make 'True Grit,' which will open the festival. Paula Markovitch's 'The Prize,' which tells the story of a young girl trying to protect her family during Argentina's military regime, is also on the shortlist.

Visitors to Berlin can also make the most of some of the city's most famous attractions, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the Tiergarten.

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