Family suffering from deadly virus out of quarantine

The conditions of a Singapore doctor, his wife and mother-in-law suffering from a deadly form of pneumonia have taken a turn for the better, according to German officials. The three, quarantined after their arrival in Frankfurt last Saturday, continue to be free of fever and their symptoms have improved, said Dr. Hans Reinhardt Brodt on Friday. State officials removed the family from week-long quarantine.The three are believed to be suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which has claimed lives from Vietnam to Canada.

2003 German Book Prize Awarded at Leipzig Book Fair

The first day of the Leipzig Book Fair culminated in the second annual presentation of the German Book Prize. Among the nine prize-winners was writer Peter Härtling, who picked up an award for his life's work. English novelist Ian McEwan and his German colleague Doris Dörrie were honored in the international and German-language categories, while winner of the readers' favorite award was Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell. Most of the winners took the opportunity to speak out against the war on Iraq. The non-fiction award went to Ukrainian boxers the Klitschko brothers for their health and fitness guide. The prize, known as the "Bücher-Butt," is a small bronze sculpture based on a design by Günter Grass, winner of the 1999 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Actor John Cusack to promote Hitler movie in Berlin

Hollywood actor John Cusack is coming to the German capital in April to present his controversial film "Max," the directorial debut of award-winning screen-writer Menno Meyjes. The actor, accompanied by Meyjes as well as the movie's producer Andras Hamori, plans to show the movie at Berlin's legendary Volksbühne theater. "Max" has failed to get a German release although it was screened during the Berlin Film Festival. The movie features Cusack as Max Rothman, a celebrated art gallery owner who befriends aspiring artist and fellow war veteran, Adolf Hitler. Despite Max's assistance and encouragement, Hitler is unsuccessful as an artist and turns to politics. Many critics have found the inflammatory "what-if?" premise of the movie offensive, and accused the makers of humanizing Hitler and trivializing the Holocaust.

Oscar nominee Caroline Link cancels trip to U.S.

Director Caroline Link, nominated in best foreign film category for "Nowhere in Africa," has cancelled her appearance at the 2003 Oscars. In an interview with Bunte magazine, she said she'd changed her plans because her young son is ill. TV celebrity Anke Engelke, scheduled to cover the ceremony for German networks, has also cancelled due to the tense international situation, while students from the prestigious Ludwigsburg film academy nominated in the best animation category are already in Los Angeles. The 75th Oscars are set to be overshadowed by the ongoing hostilities, with a number of leading actors expected to spend less time on tearful thank you speeches and more time voicing anti-war feeling.