Sally Potter

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.

Coming in the wake of the local release last month of Sally Potter's latest film, "The Party," the Greek Film Archive has put together a tribute to the English filmmaker comprising her entire oeuvre, from shorts to features, through Wednesday, January 10.

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.  

Between March 10 and 20, Istanbul Modern Cinema will present the most comprehensive retrospective ever organized in Turkey of Belgian director Chantal Akerman, a pioneer of experimental and feminist cinema who passed away in October 2015. 

The program of 16 films will be organized in collaboration with the Filmmor Women's Film Festival.