Darren Aronofsky To Head Berlin Film Festival Jury

The Berlin international Film Festival has announced that it has chosen American director Darren Aronofsky to head the jury of its 65th edition, that is set to take place next February.

According to Reuters, Aronofsky has expressed his sheer happiness with the news, saying: "At the Berlinale, the cinema is always exciting and fascinating,". The 45 year-old-director added: "I am looking forward to watching the latest from the greatest in one of the great cities on the planet."

Dieter Kosslick, the Berlinale's director, said that Aronofsky has distinguished himself as an outstanding filmmaker with a distinctive creative vision. "In his artistic approach he consistently sounds out cinematic language and its aesthetic possibilities. I’m pleased to be able to welcome him as Jury President of the Berlinale 2015."

Aronofsky's latest, highly controversial film “ Noah”, which is the director's interpretation of the biblical story, was released last April to mixed reviews from critics and violent responses from religious figures in the Arab world, specially in Egypt, where Al Azhar university banned the film from being released in theaters.