The 65th Berlin Film Festival kicks off on February 5 next year with Darren Aronofsky atop the jury. Contrary to many recent Berlinale jury presidents, the Noah helmer has never had a movie in the official selection. He’s no stranger to the festival circuit, however, having made his feature debut with Sundance entry Pi in 1988. His 2000 follow-up, Requiem For A Dream, premiered out of competition in Cannes. The Fountain later premiered in Venice where in 2008 his The Wrestler won the Golden Lion. Berlin chief Dieter Kosslick said today, “Darren Aronofsky has distinguished himself as an outstanding protagonist in contemporary auteur cinema. In his artistic approach he consistently sounds out cinematic language and its aesthetic possibilities. I’m pleased to be able to welcome him as Jury President of the Berlinale 2015.” Aronofsky added, “At the Berlinale, the cinema is always exciting and fascinating. I am looking forward to watching the latest from the greatest in one of the great cities on the planet.” Aronofsky’s somewhat controversial epic Noah earned about $ 258M overseas earlier this year with Germany among its strong European territories at about $ 12M. The Berlin Festival runs through February 15.
Nancy Tartaglione
