THE WAR’S IMPACT

Berlinale Update: The International Berlin Film Festival--Germany’s equivalent of the Cannes Film Festival--began Saturday despite the absence of some famous U.S. movie stars. More than 700 movies from 37 countries will be shown at the 12-day film fest before the awards are given. This year’s “Berlinale” focuses more on European movies than on American productions. After early considerations to cancel the festival because of the Gulf War, organizers decided to hold the event despite cancellations from U.S. stars, including Robert Mitchum, Julia Roberts and Michelle Pfeiffer.