TERRENCE MALICK - HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHTS TO SCREEN AT BERLIN

THE NEW WORLD, the eagerly awaited fourth film from director TERRENCE MALICK, and GEORGE CLOONEY thriller SYRIANA will be screened out of competition at the 56th Berlin International Film Festival in February (06).

Organisers are hoping stars including Clooney and The New World's CHRISTIAN BALE and COLIN FARRELL will attend the German event, which runs from 9 to 19 February.

The first seven films to be considered for the festival's Golden and Silver Bear awards have also been announced. They include SNOW CAKE, starring SIGOURNEY WEAVER, and Chinese martial arts movie THE PROMISE.

Festival director DIETER KOSSLICK says, "We are extremely pleased to present new films by famous directors as well as productions by young film-makers."

CHARLOTTE RAMPLING will be the jury president at the prestigious festival.

The New World is only Malick's fourth feature in 32 years, following BADLANDS, DAYS OF HEAVEN and THE THIN RED LINE.