The Associated Press

German director Tom Tykwer's action thriller "The International" will kick off the annual Berlin film festival with its world premiere in February.

In the film actors Clive Owen and Naomi Watts play agents trying to uncover the criminal transactions of a powerful bank.

Festival organizers said Friday the film would be shown out of competition.

Tykwer is best known for the film "Run Lola Run." He also directed "Perfume" two years ago.

British actress Tilda Swinton will head the festival jury. The festival runs Feb. 5-15.

The Berlin event is the first of the year's major European film festivals.