German Film Festival 2023
Image: A Thousand Lines - film still
The German Film Festival returns this year and the program is one of the strongest presented in recent years. That’s no surprise considering the German film industry is one of the most prolific in Europe, the second largest next to the French.
From a production point of view the film industry is doing really well, especially after the many shutdowns associated with the pandemic over the past two years.
Film Festival enthusiasts have the opportunity to attend screenings absorbing the German culture whilst indulging in several special events. “This isn’t the biggest line-up with a program consisting of 33 movies but I’m absolutely certain it’s the strongest and boldest line-up we’ve had to date, “ explained Bettina Kinski, Festival Operations Manager.
The opening night movie is A Thousand Lines, the new drama from director Michael ‘Bully’ Herbig, whose previous offering Balloon proved a huge hit at the 2019 German Film Festival. Intrigue and scandals in the world of journalism are explored in this real-life 2018 fake news scandal involving Der Spiegel journalist Claas Relotius. Drinks and delicacies complement the event.
Over and Out is the closing night movie about four women who follow through on a pact which they made 26 years earlier – to celebrate their weddings together. They must endure a road trip through Italy but what unexpected encounters await them? Enjoy a cocktail while watching what promises to be a crowd pleaser.
The Teacher’s Lounge is the Centrepiece presentation that transports audiences to a school which is experiencing a series of thefts. How a female teacher handles this problematic issue provides tense and dramatic viewing. Stars Leonie Benesch.
“This movie is on my must-see list. It may not sound too super exciting but it’s a rewarding cinematic experience. It’s a drama that comes across as a thriller. It’s very suspenseful and actually shows the pressures teachers have to endure. It’s been nominated for seven German Film Awards,” enthused Kinski.
Kino For Kids is a program of German language movies and returns once again to provide pleasurable screenings for younger children and teenagers. There are five movies to choose from and one which should prove quite popular with the ‘middle years’ children is Alfons Jitterbit – Class Trip Chaos! Exciting nights and disasters await a group of children as they embark on a class trip to the Baltic Sea. A family comedy must!
“This program is also particularly aimed at schools, with three movies ideal for students to attend in groups. Younger audiences come along to cinemas to learn the language and I think this is the nicest and easiest way.”
The retrospective program has five films for discerning viewers who enjoy revisiting the classics on the big screen. Wings of desire is the 1987 hit which stars Bruno Ganz and surrounds two angels who, through rays of hope, aid the needy in Berlin. Remastered in 4K Christiane F. is essential viewing for enthusiasts of cult classic cinema. The true story of a 14 year old girl who discovers the drug scene in Berlin in the 70’s stars David Bowie as himself.
“Movies always reflect society and history and audiences may wish to dive into films about the past or true stories. We’ve created a retrospective about art and music in Berlin in the 70s, 80s and 90s and this gives people the chance to learn about Germany, Germany’s history and how people lived back then.”
There are comedies, dramas, and documentaries many of which are Australian premieres, and a special program which focuses on female directors should also be of interest.
When asked who should come along and enjoy a German movie or two at this film festival Kinski was quick to respond. “Everyone of course! We don’t only address German speaking people, regardless of where people come from, we’d love them to come to our festival and to learn about German culture, our past and our humour!”
KINSKI’S HOT PICKS
THE FOX – Based on true events and set during world War II, this Austrian movie centres on a soldier who finds a wounded fox cub in the forest and fosters it back to health. An extremely beautiful and touching human animal relationship story.
SISI & I – An unconventional interpretation of the last years in the life of Sisi the 19th Century Austrian Empress. It’s different to all the previous movies produced about her life. A wild but entertaining film.
SKIN DEEP – A cool and very smart sci fi body swap film set on a mysterious remote island. The film explores what happens when one of these people refuse to return to their former self. The situation spirals out of control.
FRANKY FIVE STAR – A quirky and refreshing, fantastical and dramatic comedy which deals with multiple personality disorders. An imaginative and very unique film about finding your true self – or selves.
May 2 – 24
Screening at all Palace Cinemas.
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
