Berlin film scene scrutinized through the scholarly perspective of Professor Johannes von Moltke
The Berlinale, a renowned film festival, stands as one of the unique indicators of film culture in Berlin. With few empty seats in any show, it attracts large audiences who are eager to immerse themselves in the diverse world of cinema.
Berlin offers a broad range of film offerings, extending beyond the Berlinale. The city boasts a variety of cinemas, from the luxurious Zoo Palast with its comfortable leather seats, to the "Ostmoderne" ambiance of Kink International, and the quaint storefront cinemas dotting the town. For those seeking a more intimate cinematic experience, one- or two-screen theaters are recommended to support neighbourhood cultural programming.
One such cinema is the Moviemento in Kreuzberg, one of the oldest and longest-running cinemas in Berlin, having opened in 1907.
Johannes von Moltke, a professor at the University of Michigan specialising in Germanic languages, film, television, and media, is currently a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin. He advises film enthusiasts to avoid cineplexes and instead support independent theaters.
Von Moltke is also the editor of the book series 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual', which is designed as an outlet for books focusing on German cinema in its broadest sense. This series has a spin-off, 'German Film Classics', which focuses on the close, contextual analysis of individual films.
Von Moltke has published several books under this series, including "The Return of the Dialectic in German Cinema Since 1968" and "English Sound Cinema and the German Voice". His latest interest lies in the cinematic reflection on what it means to represent Auschwitz, the Holocaust, and the history of National Socialism, as seen in the film The Zone of Interest, which features Sandra Huelller.
The Arsenal, the Zeughauskino at the German Historical Museum, and the Filmmuseum Potsdam are venues where films, sometimes after many years or decades, can be seen in Berlin.
During the Berlinale, von Moltke had the opportunity to watch films like In Liebe, Eure Hilde and Favoriten, which he hopes will be released in theaters soon.
On May 7, von Moltke will be giving a public lecture. For those interested, registration details can be found here.
Berlin's film culture is not just a reflection of its past, but a vibrant and up-to-date aspect of the city's metro area. With its diverse range of cinemas and festivals, it offers a unique experience for film enthusiasts from around the world.
