Reuters: 56th Berlin International Film Festival Numbers Attest to Increased Popularity

The organizers of the Berlin International Film Festival reviewed a record 4,000 film entries before deciding on the 400 that make up this year's edition. The festival, which runs February 9 through February 19, is also expecting a record number of film buyers, sellers, producers, directors, actors and journalists to attend. "'The interest has been gigantic this year,' he [festival director Dieter Kosslick] added, noting the European Film Market, where buyers and sellers from around the world gather, has shown a 45 percent increase this year with 254 companies attending. ... Now a major launching pad for Hollywood and European films at the start of the year, the Berlinale is also abuzz with filmmakers from around the world in a number of new and popular sidebar events such as a talent campus and co-production market." Erik Kirschbaum reports for Reuters.