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North Korea accuses Berlin film festival of ‘instigating terrorism’

James Franco and Seth Rogen, pictured in a scene from the B.C.-shot comedy 'The Interview.'. Handout

TORONTO — The North Korean government has accused the Berlinale film festival in Germany of “instigating terrorism” by screening The Interview, warning it against “repeating its shameful history.”

Problem is, the controversial made-in-Canada comedy isn’t playing at Berlinale.

The Interview, in which characters played by Seth Rogen and James Franco attempt to assassinate the leader of North Korea, is being released in Germany on Feb. 5.

State-run Korean Central Television quoted the reclusive nation’s Foreign Ministry saying the movie does not “suit the character of the Berlin Film Festival.”

It said showing the movie means Germany is siding with the U.S.

“The West’s idea of freedom of expression would turn out to mean the freedom of violence and terrorism.”

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Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick told The Hollywood Reporter he hopes to meet with North Korea’s ambassador to Germany to clear up the confusion.

“At no time did [Sony] or we consider having the official premiere of The Interview as part of the festival,” Kosslick said.

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