Seven US films will be in competition at this year's Berlin film festival, including Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York and Stephen Daldry's The Hours.

Two films starring George Clooney, including the actor's directorial debut, are among the 19 films so far selected.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Clooney's first movie as director, and Steven Soderbergh's Solaris have been chosen for the festival, which opens on 6 February.

Click here to see the films in competition

Also in competition are British director Alan Parker's The Life of David Gale and Rob Marshall's Chicago, the film adaptation of the stage musical, which will open the festival.

The Berlin festival lacks the glamour of its Cannes and Venice counterparts, but the sheer volume of visitors makes it one of the most important festivals in the world.

A jury of international film makers hands out the Golden Bear award to the film of the festival, with the Silver Bear going to the runner-up.

The festival, which lasts for 10 days, also honours the best actor, actress, artistic contribution and best short film.

Scorsese's film will close the festival

Gangs of New York reviewed

Outside the competition, hundreds of movies are screened alongside talks and seminars from key figures in the film industry.

The full programme including the make-up of the international jury will be announced on 28 January.

Last year, Paul Greengrass' Bloody Sunday was jointly awarded the Golden Bear along with Japanese animated feature Spirited Away.

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Pascal Bonitzer's Petites Coupures (France)

Wolfgang Becker's Goodbye, Lenin! (Germany).

Oskar Roehler's Der Alte Affe Angst (Germany)

Hans-Christian Schmid's In Lichter (Distant Lights) (Germany)

Rezervni Deli (Spare Parts) from Damjan Kozole (Slovenia)

I'm Not Scared (Io Non Ho Paura) by Gabriele Salvatores (Italy)

Claude Chabrol's The Flower of Evil (La Fleur Du Mal) (France)

Patrice Ch�reau Son Fr�re (France)

Moussa Sene Absa will show Madame Brouette (Senegal)

Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York (USA)

Rob Marshall's Chicago (USA)

Alan Parker's The Life of David Gale (US-UK)

Adaptation, Spike Jonze's first film as director since Being John Malkovich (US)

Stephen Daldry's The Hours (US)

Steven Soderbergh's Solaris (US)

George Clooney's Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind, (US)

Spike Lee's The 25th Hour (US)

Yoji Yamada's The Twilight Samurai (Tasogare Seibei) (Japan)

Zhang Yimou's Hero (Ying Xiong), (China)