The Berlin film festival is honoring dissident Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who was sentenced to six years in prison in December for "propaganda against the system."
Following tributes at the film festivals in Cannes and Venice, Panahi has been invited to sit on the jury of the 61st Berlinale, but he was also banned from making movies or traveling abroad for 20 years.
Panahi's comedy "Offside" will screen today.
The 10-day event will showcase another four of his award-winning pictures.
The latest film of Panahi's compatriot Asghar Farhadi, "Nader and Simin, A Separation," will premiere on February 15.
compiled from agency reports
Following tributes at the film festivals in Cannes and Venice, Panahi has been invited to sit on the jury of the 61st Berlinale, but he was also banned from making movies or traveling abroad for 20 years.
Panahi's comedy "Offside" will screen today.
The 10-day event will showcase another four of his award-winning pictures.
The latest film of Panahi's compatriot Asghar Farhadi, "Nader and Simin, A Separation," will premiere on February 15.
compiled from agency reports
