The 62nd Berlin Film Festival got underway Thursday, with a period drama set against the backdrop of the French revolution opening the 10-day movie competition.

French director Benoit Jacquot's "Les Adieux a la Reine" (Farewell my Queen) will be screened along with films from motion picture heavyweights such as China and the United States. Also vying for top festival honors are films from up and coming regions like Southeast Asia.

The Berlinale's eight-member jury, headed by British film director Mike Leigh, have a big task ahead of them. Eighteen films all making their global debut will vie for the top prize - the Golden Bear for best film. Other jury members include French-British actress Charlotte Gainsbourg and Hollywood's Jake Gyllenhaal.

Hollywood stars such as "Twilight" actor Robert Pattinson, Angelia Jolie and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan are expected to attend Germany's premier film festival.

Four hundred films will be screened during what is the world's biggest film festival in terms of audience turn out.

mz/mch (dpa, Reuters)