The choice of Moreau and Clarke for this year's retrospectives was announced by Artistic Director Hannah McGill at the Berlin Film Festival, who believes the choices are reflective of the EIFF ethos.

“Jeanne Moreau and Shirley Clarke represent exactly the sort of trailblazing spirit, boldness and intelligence that we celebrate yearly at EIFF," commented McGill.

The Jeanne Moreau retrospective is a joint initiative between EIFF and the British Film Institute, and will allow the Festival audience to celebrate her extraordinary life in film as an actress, director, screenwriter and producer.

"I think Moreau could confidently claim to have worked with more true legends of cinema than any other actress – quite apart from being a creative dynamo in her own right. Her career is fascinating."

McGill was equally enthusiastic about the retrospective of American filmmaker and actress Shirley Clarke.

"Shirley Clarke, though less well-known, is an outstanding discovery: a true iconoclast, and a pioneer in so many fields."

"Those who know these women’s work will appreciate and share my excitement - those who don’t, have everything to look forward to in June!”

Read our overview of their careers here for Jeanne Moreau and here for Shirley Clarke.

The retrospectives will play throughout the 62nd EIFF, which runs from 18-29 June 2008. Full details of screenings and related special events will be revealed at the official programme launch on May 7.