The official unrateddirector's cut of Marc Forster's Monster's Ball will screen in competition at the Berlin FilmFestival on Feb 8, not the version which was passed by the MPAA for its USrelease. The version to be seen at the festival was rated NC-17 for itssexually explicit content and was subsequently cut to make an R rating in theUS.

The director's cutversion - made available by financier Lions Gate Films - will also bereleased in Canada, where the film has so far received an R in Ontario and an18A in British Columbia. The uncut version includes explicit footage in twoscenes including a love scene between stars Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton.

"I am thrilled thatLions Gate supports the release of the unrated version of Monster'sBall," said Forster in astatement. "The love scene is about a minute longer' I think theworld needs a little more love these days." "We are proud toprovide audiences with the uncut version of Monster's Ball that is faithful to filmmaker Marc Forster'spowerful and uncompromising vision," added Lions Gate InternationalCo-Presidents Nick Meyer and Sergei Yershov.

Forster and Halle Berry willbe in Berlin for the film's screening.