US attacks 'affect' Berlinale

Enemy at the Gate opened at Berlin this year

The head of the Berlin Film Festival has said the 11 September attacks on the US are affecting his selection for next year's event.

Dieter Kosslick, who is running the February festival for the first time, told the film industry magazine Filmecho he was "especially sensitised" when he watched films now.

He added that he finds violent films in particular difficult to see.

"At the moment, I wouldn't have the strength to say: 'That is something for the Berlinale'," he said.

Chereau's Intimacy took the 2001 Golden Bear

The Berlin Film Festival, with its Golden Bear awards, is among the most prestigious film events in the world.

Mr Kosslick said that the Berlinale also played a political role and should do what it could to foster understanding between cultures.

The festival is the launching pad for many of the American studios' big releases.

It also recognises art films and for film makers from small countries it provides a springboard to get into the world-wide distribution market.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon director Ang Lee famously got his big break when he won the Golden Bear for his 1993 film The Wedding Banquet.

Collateral Damage cost an estimated £54m to make

This year the Patrice Chereau film Intimacy, based on writing by Hanif Kureshi and starring Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox, took the award.

The rules of the competition require that the films must haveing its debut - at least outside the country of origin.

This is not the first report of the film world being affected in the aftermath of the attacks.

A number of Hollywood films, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest film Collateral Damage, have been shelved or postponed.

The Toronto and San Sebastian international film festivals, traditionally known for star-studded parties, both curtailed social events as a mark of respect.