Films confirmed for the International Forum of Young Cinema at this year's Berlin Film Festival (Feb 9-20) include James Benning's Californian-set El Valley Centro, Austrian filmmaker Ruth Beckermann's Ein Fluechtiger Zug Nach Dem Orient, Yuji Nakae's Nabbe No Koi (Nabbie's Love), German documentary filmmaker Ebbo Demant's journey through deserts on three continents Wueste and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's love triangle drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Straight From The Heart).

Meanwhile, Nina Hoss and August Diehl have been selected by the German Export-Union and Nadja Huepscher by Holland Film for this year's Shooting Stars showcase of up-and-coming European acting talent. The showcase is being organised for the third time by the Hamburg-based European promotion agency European Film Promotion.