As Europe and the US retreat from each other politically, European cinephiles are learning to cut back on Hollywood fare – with big US productions strikingly absent from this year’s Berlin film festival, which opens on Thursday.
Meanwhile The Trial is an investigation by Askold Kurov into the political show trial of Ukrainian film director and Maidan activist Oleg Sentsov.
Catherine Deneuve and Penelope Cruz also have films screening at the festival, ensuring some glamour amongst the meatier fare.
Last year the Berlinale further cemented its reputation as a highly politically engaged festival by awarding its top prize to Fire at Sea.