Martin Scorsese's documentary on veteran British rock band the Rolling Stones will open the Berlin Film Festival this year, organizers said on Tuesday, with the Oscar-winning director and the band making an appearance.

"Shine A Light" draws on footage from two Stones concerts at the Beacon Theatre in New York in late 2006, which include guest appearances by Jack White of the White Stripes, Christina Aguilera, and Buddy Guy.

The movie also features rare archival scenes and more recent behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

"With this extensive camera coverage and the intimacy of the setting, Scorsese has created an extraordinary musical film event and given audiences unprecedented access to the Rolling Stones both on stage and off," the festival said in a statement.

The film crew includes Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson, who worked on Scorsese's "The Aviator," and fellow Oscar winners John Toll ("Braveheart") and Andrew Lesnie ("The Lord of the Rings").

"We are extremely excited to have the world premiere of this magnificent film as our opening gala," said festival director Dieter Kosslick. "Martin Scorsese has captured the pure essence of an iconic band on the big screen."

The Rolling Stones, one of the biggest bands in rock 'n' roll history with album sales estimated at more than 200 million, embarked on a two-year world tour in 2005 which wound up in London last August.

The Berlin Film Festival opens on February 7 and ends on February 17.

By Mike Collett-White