Dieter Kosslick

Diversity, politics and revelations from the Nazi era will dominate the agenda as the Berlin film festival launches its 70th edition in the heart of the German capital on Feb. 21.

Films starring Johnny Depp and Sigourney Weaver will be among those premiering at Berlin's film festival next month, organizers said, as they defended a competition line-up with fewer female directors than last year.

Penelope Cruz, Hugh Jackman, Catherine Deneuve, Richard Gere and Robert Pattinson are among the high-wattage stars due on the red carpet at the Berlin film festival, organizers said on Jan. 31 as they revealed the lineup.

The 67th Berlinale is the first major cinema showcase in Europe each year and presents nearly 400 productions from around the world.  

The Berlin International Film Festival, or the Berlinale, has always been hailed as one of the most socially conscious film festivals in the world. Last year's screening of "Fifty Shades of Grey" might have tarnished that image if this year was not one of the most politically-charged editions in the Berlinale's history.

Always at the cutting edge of social relevance, the 2016 Berlin Film Festival, will aim to give new asylum seekers a break from long waits and crushing boredom with free ticketsRefugees will be at the heart of the next Berlin film festival, with hundreds of free tickets for asylum seekers and new movies spotlighting Europe's historic influx, its director said.

Nobody Wants the Night is a Spanish-French-Bulgarian co-production recently opened the 65th edition of the Berlinale Film Festival.

The movie tells the story of adventurous young men and women are trying to find their place in history through the winter frost of Greenland, as reported by Film New Europe.

New movies starring Juliette Binoche, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren and Lea Seydoux will put women in the spotlight when they premiere at the 65th Berlin film festival starting on Jan. 5.