Exploring Cinema: Professor Johannes von Moltke offers insightful analysis of Berlin's film industry landscape
In the heart of Berlin, film enthusiasts and scholars alike will find a vibrant and up-to-date film culture, with many cinemas to choose from. One of the oldest and longest-running cinemas, The Moviemento in Kreuzberg, is a favourite spot for Professor Johannes von Moltke, a scholar specialising in Germanic languages, film, television, and media at the University of Michigan.
Von Moltke has recently become a Fellow at the American Academy in Berlin, and before that, he published his last book titled "The Art of Correction: Germany's Postwar Reckoning with the Nazi Past". His latest venture is editing the book series 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual', which includes a spin-off series called 'German Film Classics'.
The 'German Film Classics' series is designed to be accessible and readable for students and the cinephile public alike. Each volume focuses on the close, contextual analysis of one film, ranging from Weimar-era classics like Fritz Lang's Metropolis to recent films like Christian Petzold's Phoenix or Maren Ade's Toni Erdmann. One of von Moltke's favourite volumes from the series is 'The New History of German Cinema'.
Von Moltke is looking forward to watching the film The Zone of Interest in Berlin. Directed by Campino, the lead singer of the German band Die Toten Hosen, this cinematic reflection on Auschwitz, the Holocaust, and the history of National Socialism has been garnering attention for its powerful portrayal and Sandra HuΜller's award-winning performance.
When it comes to watching films, von Moltke advises avoiding cineplexes and seeking out smaller theaters for a more unique cinema experience. One- or two-screen theaters like The Moviemento not only support local cultural programming but also offer a more intimate setting to appreciate the art of film.
In addition to The Zone of Interest, von Moltke has also seen Andreas Dresen's drama In Liebe, Eure Hilde and Ruth Beckermann's documentary Favoriten at the Berlinale. He hopes these films will be released in theaters soon.
On May 7, von Moltke will be giving a public lecture. Those interested can register for the event here. The 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual' series has been fortunate to acquire great volumes on topics ranging across German and Austrian film history. With von Moltke at the helm, it promises to continue shining a light on the rich and complex world of German cinema.
