Its true that in the beginning I said I was willing to go on with the shared role.
So you dont have to be shocked.
Deadline caught up briefly with the outgoing artistic director after the announcement.
Berlinale Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian at the press conference for the 74th editionGerald Matzka/Getty Images
DEADLINE:This is your last selection as Berlinale artistic director, how do you feel?
This year wasnt any different.
I think the films speak for themselves.
CHATRIAN:Its both.
Its one of the funniest films we have.
Im happy to have some comedy alongside films which tackle the present times in a very direct way.
On the one side, its a sci fi.
The special effects are quite amazing.
Of course, its notStar Wars,but they are done in a clever way.
It plays with sex, the landscape of northern France and the idea of power.
Its a satire so nothing should be taken on a first-degree level.
Its the opposite of our other political films.
In the balance were trying to achieve,The Empireplays an important role.
DEADLINE:It feels like there are fewer Asian titles in the Competition and Encounters mix.
Theres a lot of talk that the Asian film biz is increasingly disinterested in Europe.
Do you think this is a sign of this?
CHATRIAN:A couple of Chinese we were expecting were not ready.
We have another very strong Indian film in Encounters [Raam ReddysThe Fable].
Its true that we have fewer films from China but as you know I dont work with quotas.
I look at the films we receive.
This year we have more from Europe.
Whats youre take on this?
From the U.S., we haveLa Cocinaby Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizopalacios with Rooney Mara.
We have Sebastian Stan in ADifferent Man.
Studios films are also less present in the first and second quarter of the year.
Films in Competition have to have a distinctive voice.
To be honest, thats not my main concern.
All the stars we have invited are expected to be here and have confirmed their presence.
We also have actors known maybe more by younger people for their Marvel roles such as Sebastian Stan.
I think the glamour aspect on the red carpet is a good one this year.
It might be different compared to other festivals, but we are Berlin.
