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Now in its 73rd year, the festival will see 18
films, hailing from Mexico to Australia, competing for a coveted
Golden Bear trophy that will be awarded by a jury chaired by
U.S. actor Kristen Stewart.
"Full disclosure: I'm kind of shaking," the "Twilight" and
"Spencer" star told a news conference to introduce the jury,
when asked how she felt about adjudicating at the most overtly
political of the world's major film festivals.
Zelenskiy's appearance reflects the organisers' focus this year
on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and on pro-democracy protests in
Iran. Films from and about both countries are prominent, while
films supported by the Iranian and Russian governments are
banned.
"This year with Iran, the earthquake, with Ukraine - it feels
like the world is disintegrating," said French-Iranian actress
Golshifteh Farahani, another jury member.
Outside the main competition, films will tackle topics from race
in America to gender transition and sexuality, while high
profile visitors will include director Steven Spielberg and
singer Bono, attending a documentary about U2's legendary 1997
post-siege concert in Sarajevo.
"If you want to destroy a place the first thing you do is
destroy its cinema," said Hong Kong director and jury member
Johnnie To, insisting on film's central role in nurturing a
democratic society.
"I think it's the job of an artist to take a disgusting and ugly
thing and transmute it," Stewart added. "Put it through your
body and come up with something more helpful."
(Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
(Photo: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a news
briefing with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, amid
Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 15, 2023.
REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
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