Hollywood dazzles Berlin

Meryl Streep is considered one of the most diverse and talented actresses in the world. She has acted in more than 40 films and has been nominated for an Oscar 16 times. On February 14, she is to receive the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (known in Germany as the Berlinale) for her life work.

But Streep won't be the only international actress to grace the red carpet in Berlin from February 9-19. Hollywood diva Angelina Jolie will appear at the film festival to present her directorial debut, "In the Land of Blood and Honey." Jolie wrote the script herself for the film about the war in Bosnia.

Some 400 films will be shown at Berlin International Film Festival, primarily world or European premieres. Sixteen films will compete for the Golden and Silver Bears. Last year, director Wim Wenders celebrated the world premiere of his 3D film about famous choreographer Pina Bausch, which has now grabbed him an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. The 84th edition of the Academy Awards will take place on February 26.

100 years of Babelsberg

From Marlene Dietrich and Heinz Rühmann to Christoph Walz and Hollywood greats like Kate Winslet and Brad Pitt - all of them have stood in front of the camera in the world's oldest large-scale "dream factory" outside of Berlin. Even directors Billy Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock have worked there. Babelsberg Film Studios turns 100 on February 12 and that's cause for celebration. The Studios will not only receive the "Berlinale Camera" award, but also show 10 feature films in a special series.

Urban Gad's silent film "Der Totentanz" ("The Dance of Death") kicked things off for Babelsberg when shooting began on February 12, 1912. Now, the famous studios are making history again with the most expensive German film ever - "Cloud Atlas," starring Oscar-winners Tom Hands and Halle Berry. Until now, the most costly film for Babelsberg Studios has been the silent film "Metropolis," in which director Fritz Lang had over 36,000 actors and extras march through the gigantic film sets.

Those who want to find out more about the diverse history of the Studios can make a little detour into the Potsdam Film Museum, which is hosting the exhibition "The Dream Factory - 100 Years of Film in Babelsberg."

Gerhard Richter turns 80

Large-scale paintings, color charts and stained-glass windows - Germany's most famous contemporary artist can celebrate his 80th birthday on February 9 with a look at his comprehensive and multi-award-winning work. It's no wonder, then, that Berlin's New National Gallery has titled its anniversary exhibition "Gerhard Richter Panorama." On show are 150 paintings from all the stages of the artist's career, including the famous work "Ema - Akt auf einer Treppe" ("Ema - Nude on a Staircase") from 1966.

The New National Gallery has organized the exhibition along with London's Tate Modern and Paris' Centre Pompidou. Many art historians consider Richter to be one of the world's most important artists. At nearly 80, he's not ready to call it quits yet: for the Berlin exhibition, he's created the first version of his abstract work "4900 Farben" ("4,900 Colors"). At 200 meters (656 feet), the piece surrounds the entire monographic show, which runs from February 12 to May 13.

Art at the click of the mouse

Long trips, expensive hotels and tired feet - visitors of this art fair can be spared all that. The international online fair for contemporary art is taking place for the second time from February 3 to 8. Some 100 galleries from 32 countries have already signed up for the VIP Art Fair, and will be offering up for sale works from 500 to one million dollars. Famous participating galleries include New York's Zwirner, London's White Cube, Ropac from Paris and Hetzkler from Berlin. Last year, some 40,000 art enthusiasts from 196 countries clicked into the Internet fair to view and buy over 200 artworks.

Europe's largest education fair

Even if e-learning is a huge trend, didacta is still placing its bets on attending in person. From February 14 to 18, Europe's largest education fair will open its doors to educators and university lecturers, who can choose from 200 seminars. The 2012 edition is the largest fair focusing on continuing education. Among other things, experts will discuss solutions for Germany's shortage of skilled workers and specialists, look at the effects of demographic changes on schools and the work world, and will discuss inclusive education. E-learning will also be a significant topic. More than 700 exhibitors will be participating at the fair this year in Hanover, with some 75,000 visitors expected.

Donning costumes for Carnival

When Carnival evolved, it was less about partying and more about fasting. Before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, people are to bid their farewells to the night, to dark and evil. In the Middle Ages, people donned jester hats and devil masks, imbibed and were sexually indulgent. Though the Church tried to ban it at times, Carnival has remained steadfast in various regions in Germany, particularly in the Rhineland. This year, it takes place from February 16 to 21.

Author: Sabine Damaschke / als
Editor: Kate Bowen