Omar Sy-Starring ‘The Strangers’ Case,’ Kurosawa Kiyoshi’s ‘Chime’ Added to Berlinale Special Section

“Chime,” a mid-length movie by leading Japanese director Kurosawa Kiyoshi, is among three late additions to the Berlin Film Festival’s Berlinale Special section.

The two others are “August My Heaven,” another mid-length picture form Japan, directed by Kudo Riho, and “The Strangers’ Case,” a full-length feature directed by Brandt Andersen which will play as a Berlinale Special Gala presentation.

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In “Chime” Tashiro, a student at a culinary school, hears voices in his head. His teacher, Matsuoka, remains unconcerned. But then Tashiro claims that half of his brain has been replaced by a machine.

In “August My Heaven,” Joe earns a living as a professional stand-in actor for hire to play a relative, lover or friend for her clients and attend ceremonies. After an encounter at a funeral, her professional and private live begin to merge.

Tragedy strikes a Syrian family in Aleppo in “The Strangers’ Case.” This triggers a chain reaction of events involving five different families in four different countries. The festival called it a “kaleidoscopic tale that flows from place to place thanks to an incredibly rich cast.” The film stars Omar Sy (“Lupin,” “The Intouchables,” “Jurassic World”), Jason Beghe and Yasmine Al Massri (“Quantico”).

“Both Japanese films – one by a renowned master, the other by a young filmmaker – are great examples of the art of shaping riveting stories in a shorter length,” the festival said in notes provided. It also said that the addition of the three latest titles completes the selection for the Berlinale Special section.

Previously announced titles in the section include: Atom Egoyan’s “Seven Veils”; David and Nathan Zellner’s “Sasquatch Sunset,” with Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg; documentary, “Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger”; “Love Lies Bleeding,” starring Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco and Jena Malone; German sports documentary “Eleven Tomorrows: Berlinale Meets Football”; and violent Korean action film “The Roundup: Punishment.”

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