(Cover) - EN Movies - Germany's largest regional funding body has explained that "nothing stands in the way" of it funding movies by Lars von Trier in the future.

The controversial filmmaker was labelled "a persona non grata" by organisers of the Cannes International Film Festival after he described himself as a "Nazi" during a press conference for his new movie Melancholia last week.

Lars has since apologised for the comments, describing them as "unintelligent, ambiguous and needlessly hurtful", and Filmstiftung NRW, the largest regional funding body in Germany, has told The Hollywood Reporter it sees no reason why his films wouldn't be supported in the future.

"The Filmstiftung NRW have close ties to Lars von Trier and his production company Zentropa International. Melancholia is, after Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Manderlay and Antichrist, already our first cooperation with Lars von Trier and Zentropa. In my opinion, nothing stands in the way of our funding his films in the future," explained Petra Muller, managing director of the company.

Petra can why many found Lars' comments shocking, but thinks they shouldn't be taken seriously. The film expert argues that Lars' sense of irony should never be forgotten.

"I can understand that Lars von Trier's comments were provocative and painful for many. Personally, I perceived things differently in the press conference. If one is familiar with Lars von Trier's biography and work than one can only understand his comments as being ironic," explained Petra. (C) Cover Media