An annual sand sculpture festival in Berlin that gathers an international cast of artists has opened. The theme of "Sandsation 2009" is "Berlin in the year 2222".

Twelve sculptors have less than a week to perfect their masterpieces, with this year's winner being selected by judges on Thursday.

Although the weather in Berlin has not been great so far this summer, the rain offered almost perfect conditions for those taking part.

Anja Smole, producer of "Sandsation" festival, said, "For the artist it is no problem at all. Of course everybody likes sun because it's nicer for work, but for the sculptures, for the material, rain is actually good. One can shape things much better and more precisely."

As with every year, the highlight of the festival is an eight-metre high joint sculpture.

Johannes Weckl, artist, said, "I think that the perishability of the visual arts is always an interesting issue, especially since the sixties and the Landart, and through that it is actually a very modern form of art."

Artists taking part in the festival are from countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK, Italy, Denmark, Mongolia and Ukraine.

The festival runs until August 30th.

(CCTV June 9, 2009)