As predicted, Tom Tykwer's Heaven, starring Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi, has been selected as the opening film of Dieter Kosslick's first Berlin festival as director, making its world premiere on February 6, 2002. (Screendaily Oct 12, 2001)

German films have rarely opened the Berlinale, let alone been selected for the main competition - an historical source of controversy between government sponsors and previous director Moritz de Hadeln.

"Tom Tykwer is one of Germany's greatest film directors," said Kosslick in a statement. "We are pleased his first international production will open the next Berlinale. Heaven is a great example of the creative potential of German cinema."