Francesco Rosi to be honoured at Berlin Film Festival

Washington, Nov28: Italian film director Francesco Rosi will be conferred with the Golden Bear award for lifetime achievement at the Berlin Film Festival to be held from Feb 7-17, 2008.

The Berlin Film Festival will pay tribute to the Italian helmer-scribe for lifetime achievement and the Berlinale Homage, will document Rosi's work throughout the decades.

The organizers of the fest feel that Francesco"s work clearly reflects the political, economic and intellectual scenario of Italy.

"Rosi has critically reflected on political, economic and intellectual developments in Italy and the 85-year-old had "helped shape 50 years of Italian film history, " Variety quoted the organizers, as saying.

Berlinale topper Dieter Kosslick also feels that the Italian director"s films have an explosive power.

"With their explosive power, Rosi's films are still persuasive today. His works are classics of politically engaged cinema," Kosslick said.

Rosi's films include the 1962 gangster drama "Salvatore Giuliano," which catapulted him on to the international stage. The movie, which won the Silver Bear for director at the Berlinale in 1962, and will be screened at the Honorary Golden Bear award ceremony on Feb 14.

ANI>