French film ‘Django’ to open Berlin Film Festival

BERLIN – The Berlin International Film Festival has chosen “Django,” a French film about jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt directed by Etienne Comar, to open this year’s edition next month.

Festival organizers said Wednesday that the world premiere of “Django” will open the event on Feb. 9. It’s the first movie directed by Comar, who made his name as a screenwriter and producer on films including “Of Gods and Men” and “My King.”

The movie centres on Reinhardt’s flight from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1943. Festival director Dieter Kosslick said that “constant danger, flight and the atrocities committed against his family could not make him stop playing.”

The festival’s top Golden Bear prize will be awarded Feb. 18 by a jury under Dutch director Paul Verhoeven.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.