BERLIN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 74th Berlin International Film Festival, the Berlinale, opened on Thursday with the world premiere of the Irish-Belgian historical film "Small Things Like These" directed by Tim Mielants based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Claire Keegan.

"We are looking forward to launching this 'quiet' yet quite exceptional film at the start of Zeitgeist Irland 24, a year-long celebration of Irish culture in Germany," said Berlinale's artistic director Carlo Chatrian on the selection of the opening film, which will compete with 19 other films for the Golden and Silver Bears.

This year's jury is headed by Kenyan Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o. Other members are international stars from the film industry, including Chinese filmmaker Ann Hui and German director Christian Petzold.

The 74th Berlin International Film Festival will award U.S. director, producer and screenwriter Martin Scorsese the Honorary Golden Bear for his lifetime achievement at a ceremony of the Berlinale Palast on Feb. 20, and a series of Scorsese's works will be screened during the festival.

Due to costs, this year's Berlinale has undergone structural adjustments and has been significantly downsized. Around 200 films will be shown at 28 venues. In addition to the opening film, there will be several other world premieres, including the competition entries "Dahomey" by French director Mati Diop and "Another End" by Italian director Piero Messina.

Berlinale is one of the world's leading film festivals annually held in the German capital. This year's Berlinale will last until Feb. 25. Enditem

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