TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Mehr News Agency) -- Berlin Film Festival director Dieter Kosslick has invited filmmaker Jafar Panahi to take part in their Berlinale celebration this year.

Kosslick's letter inviting Panahi to be their special guests this year was released via Iranian media.

Previously, Panahi's passport was confiscated at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport on October 15 when he was departing for France. Panahi also missed joining the jury of the 11th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF) in October 2009.

He has been prevented from traveling abroad by restrictions on travel imposed following the unrest that occurred after the June 12 presidential election.

"Offside" director Panahi shared a Silver Bear award from the 56th International Berlin Film Festival with Danish filmmaker Pernille Fischer Christensen in 2006.

The festival plans to screen a recently discovered original cut print of Fritz Lang's legendary film "Metropolis" during its opening ceremony on February 10, 2010.

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