Perhaps best known internationally for her roles in Jackie Chan action flicks and the Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, jury member Michelle Yeoh is thrilled to be in Berlin. She feels that festivals like this are very important for directors.

"They get recognition," she says. "This is where film-makers get to have a voice."

What does she look for in a movie? "Integrity. Sometimes, in this day and age, it gets lost with all the glitz and glamour. Movies can send a lot of messages worldwide, and Berlin has kept that integrity."

Yeoh, who grew up in Malaysia and once reigned as Miss Malaysia, is now based in Hong Kong. Even though it's the gateway to China, she insists that "there is no censorship", despite what many people might believe.

Speaking of her fellow jurors, she says the one thing they all have in common is "a passion for film-making. We love films."

But viewing as many as three movies a day hasn't left them much time to see the city. "We'd love Moritz to give us a couple of days off so we can see Berlin," she suggests sweetly.

Director Ang Lee has tapped Yeoh for a role in his next film. Owen Levy