The 61st Berlin International Film Festival will open with the out of competition international premiere screening of the Coen brothers’ Western.

Distributor Paramount has back-shifted True Grit’s European openings to ensure the international premiere.

The anticipated re-interpretation of the Charles Portis novel - and classic 1969 Western starring John Wayne - tells the story of a 14-year-old girl (Hailee Steinfeld makes her feature debut) who, with the help of tough marshal “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), sets out find her father’s killer (played by Josh Brolin).

“Joel and Ethan Coen stand for first-rate American independent cinema. With their penchant for irony, and off-the-wall characters and stories they have repeatedly captivated audiences,” commented Berlinale Director Dieter Kosslick. “True Grit is a wonderful way to kick off the Berlinale 2011”, he added.

The opening night screening will take place at the Berlinale Palast on February 10.

The UK opening has moved to February 11th, the deadline for BAFTA eligibility. The film’s US opening of 22 December remains.

Last year Quanan Wang’s Apart Together opened the Berlinale.

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