European cities seek opportunities

Program look for industry help at N.Y. festival

By ED MEZA

BERLIN -- Capital Regions for Cinema, a European program that includes the cities of Berlin, Madrid, Paris and Rome, will present funding and production opportunities at the New York Film Festival today. The cities boast a number of funding sources, facilities, personnel and locations for international film productions.

Currently shooting in Berlin and at nearby Studio Babelsberg are Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie," starring Tom Cruise; Tom Tykwer's "The International," with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts; and the Wachowskis' "Speed Racer," starring Emile Hirsch.

Event is organized by German Films and the New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development. The New York Film Festival runs through Oct. 14.

"New York and Berlin are both thriving hot spots for creative filmmaking, and we would love to bring these two cities together to increase that energy," said Kirsten Niehuus, managing director of the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.

This year, New York is hosting the "New Films From Germany + Kino! Berlin" film exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art; Berlin in Lights, a citywide celebration of the arts in Berlin, organized by Carnegie Hall; and the MoMA's design collection showcase "Destination: Berlin," launched in May during New York's Berlin Day.