BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Having been panned for most of her efforts in front of the camera, pop icon Madonna made her debut in the director's chair Wednesday at the Berlin Film Festival.

    But critics have begun sharpening their pencils at "Filth and Wisdom" which revolves around a Ukrainian immigrant who finances his dreams of rock stardom by moonlighting as a cross-dressing dominatrix, and his two female flatmates.

U.S. director and singer Madonna poses during a photocall for the film Madonna directed "Filth and Wisdom" at the 58th Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 13, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Madonna, who will add some welcome star power to what has been a rather lacklustre Berlinale, has been less than timid about her ambitions as a filmmaker. She not only directed, but also co-wrote the screenplay and acted as executive producer. 

    Billed as a London-based comedy, "Filth and Wisdom" stars Eugene Hutz, the Ukrainian frontman for Gypsy punk rock band Gogol Bordello, as well as British cult star Richard E. Grant.

    In "Filth and Wisdom," Hutz plays "AK" -- a self-proclaimed philosopher and poet, whose sideline career sees him assume characters ranging from a Marine drill instructor to former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher -- depending on the tastes of his clients.

    Grant plays a blind professor and frustrated writer who lives in the same building.

    The project began life as a short, but Madonna said it grew into a feature as she became more involved in the lives of the three main characters.

    (Agencies)

>>>58th Berlin Film Festival opens<<<

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