As co-productions are in the spotlight at this year's Berlinale film festival, Dieter Kosslick told Deutsche Welle that the German filmmakers' interest in cooperating with other countries has led to a high number of international films with German involvement at the 2009 festival.

In the interview, Kosslick also explained why so many films in Berlin are being shown out of competition, how the festival chooses what films it shows and what he hopes German Chancellor Angela Merkel will do to ensure future cultural funding.

Listen to Breandain O'Shea's interview with Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick by clicking on the audio link below.