For more than a decade, THE GERMAN CURRENTS FILM FESTIVAL has brought people together through the universal language of filmmaking, hosted exciting networking events, and has introduced the richness and variety of contemporary Germany to film audiences in Southern California.

“As the new Director of the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, I am excited to experience this year’s selection of multi-award winning films with the audiences here in LA. This year’s festival is presented within the context of the Year of German American Friendship, which will see hundreds of events throughout the United States, starting in October of this year” says Lien Heidenreich-Seleme, German Currents Festival Director.

Produced by the Goethe-Institut and American Cinematheque, the 12th Annual GERMAN CURRENTS FILM FESTIVAL will take place from Friday, October 19th through Monday, October 22nd, 2018 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, and The Theatre at ACE Hotel in DTLA, and will once again bring culturally relevant and award-winning German language cinema to Los Angeles.

A red carpet opening night and LA premiere of the tragicomedy MAGICAL MYSTERY OR THE RETURN OF KARL SCHMIDT, followed by a Q&A with actress Annika Meier (German Cinema New Talent Award), and a gala reception will kick-off the festival on Friday, Oct. 19th. The four-day weekend will feature NEXT GENERATION SHORT TIGER, a curated program of award-winning short films, the Swiss film BLUE MY MIND (Winner of 3 Swiss Film Awards), IN THE AISLES (Best Actor German Film Awards) and the Berlinale, and Sydney Film Festival Competition Film TRANSIT are presented.

LA audiences will have the chance to watch the multi-award-winning film about Romy Schneider’s final interview 3 DAYS IN QUIBERON (followed by a Q&A with Award winning director Emily Atef , and  two-time German Film Award Winner Thomas W. Kiennast), and the cold-war drama THE SILENT REVOLUTION (German Cinema Award for Peace). The beloved children’s matinee returns with the film adaptation of the classic children’s book THE LEGEND OF TIMM THALER OR THE BOY WHO SOLD HIS LAUGHTER, which is presented as a free weekend matinee, as well as a special screening for LA schools. The festival will conclude with the US premiere of KREATUR, the film  version of Sasha Waltz’ choreography by the renowned dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests, followed by an after-party at The Theater at ACE Hotel, on Monday, Oct 22nd.

The annual FILMMAKER BRUNCH, in cooperation with GABA – Film Initiative & White Bear PR and with the kind support of Pixomondo, will feature A TRIBUTE TO VERONICA FERRES, a conversation with the famous German actress at Pixomondo in Santa Monica.

The German Currents Film Festival is produced by the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles and the American Cinematheque in kind cooperation with the German Consulate General, and with the support of German Films, Deutsche Welle (DW), Pixomondo, and The Friends of Goethe, and is part of the Year of German-American Friendship 2018/19 – a comprehensive and collaborative initiative of the Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institut, and with the support of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). 

The festival takes place at: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, Ph: 323.466.FILM

To keep up with GERMAN CURRENTS and to purchase tickets, visit the official Festival website at www.germancurrents.com.

Like the GERMAN CURRENTS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/germancurrents. Follow us on Twitter @GI_LosAngeles and join the conversation by using the hashtag #GERMANCURRENTS

FULL FESTIVAL LINE-UP:

Friday, Oct 19th, 7:30 pm (Gala Opening Night)

MAGICAL MYSTERY OR THE RETURN OF KARL SCHMIDT

(MAGICAL MYSTERY ODER DIE RÜCKKEHR DES KARL SCHMIDT)

LA Premiere

Directed by Arne Feldhusen

Germany (2017), 111 min, German with English subtitles

Hamburg, in the mid-1990s. Having spent the last few years in a sober living home following a nervous breakdown, once-promising artist “Charlie” Schmidt (Charly Hübner) is in a rut. Things abruptly change when he runs into Raimund (Marc Hosemann) and Ferdi (Detlev Buck), friends from his Berlin days, who are now major stars in the German Techno scene.

About to embark on a “Magical Mystery Tour” that will bring the psychedelic spirit of the 1960s merged with 1990s rave flavor to Germany’s hottest clubs; they recruit Charlie as their designated driver and road manager. As the only sober one on the road, Charlie must keep the party-happy musicians in line while adapting to the world outside of rehab.  The tragicomic road trip that follows is filled with music, parties, and Charlie’s own journey to self-discovery. Aided by DJ Rosa (Annika Meier), Charlie slowly comes out of his shell and sees the possibility of a brighter future. Based on writer/musician Sven Regener’s eponymous cult novel, director Arne Feldhusen’s adaptation skillfully blends tragedy with humor to bring Regener’s offbeat characters to life. 

Q&A with Annika Meier following the screening.

AWARDS:

FILMFEST MUNICH, 2017 (German Cinema New Talent Award –Annika Meier)

KINOFEST LÜNEN, 2017 (Perle – Award for Women in Film)

Saturday, Oct 19th, 10:00 am

FILMMAKER BRUNCH

PIXOMONDO, 

2055 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Free Admission | By Invitation Only

A conversation with famed German actress Veronica Ferres (SCHTONK, SALT AND FIRE), moderated by Dierk Sindermann (HFPA). This event is produced the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with GABA – Film Initiative & White Bear PR and with the kind support of Pixomondo.

Veronica Ferres is one of the most famous actresses in Germany. She starred in over 100 feature films and in multiple TV shows, winning numerous film and TV prizes including the Adolf Grimme Prize, the German Television Prize, the Bavarian Television Prize, the Golden Camera Award, the Bambi award, as well as an Emmy Award for THE MANNS. In 2012, Veronica founded her own production company, Construction Filmproduktion GmbH. 

Saturday, Oct 20th, 4:00 pm (Matinee)

NEXT GENERATION SHORT TIGER

LA Premiere

Curated program of award winning short films

Germany (2018), 101 min. German/Italian/Hebrew/English with English Subtitles

Presented by German Films and the German Federal Film Board (FFA), this beloved annual showcase premieres the most remarkable student shorts – the NEXT GENERATION of German Cinema – together with the best German shorts under 5 minutes – the winners of the FFA’s SHORT TIGER Award. This year's expert jury includes Student Academy Award®-winner and Academy Award®-nominee Katja Benrath (WATU WOTE – ALL OF US), Daniel Ebner (Artistic Director VIS Vienna Shorts Festival) and Dr. Gregory Theile (Kinopolis/Theile Group). They have selected twelve short films representing Germany’s diversity of forms, genres and skillful filmmaking talent that international audiences have come to expect from German shorts. These deeply personal and universal stories confirm the notion that short film is an independent art form deserving of the big screen and the awareness of audiences worldwide.

Complete Shorts Program: NEXT GENERATION SHORT TIGER

Saturday, Oct 20th, 8:00 pm

BLUE MY MIND

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by Lisa Brühlmann

Switzerland (2017), 97 min, Swiss-German with English subtitles

When 15-year-old Mia (Luna Wedler) moves to the suburbs of Zürich, she must adjust to life in a new town and high school. Eagerly wanting to fit in, she joins a clique of popular girls headed by Gianna (Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen), and plunges into a wild teenage existence in an attempt to cope. For Mia, the experiences of puberty, and its effects on her rapidly changing body, take a horrific turn; one that is accompanied by webbed toes and dark, scaly patches on her skin. In her despair, she attempts to numb herself with sex and drugs, hoping to halt the tidal wave of physical change that is overwhelming her.  As she gradually loses herself to her own manic behavior, ultimately transforming into the being that has slumbered within her for years, Mia seeks help from Gianna to save herself.  Deftly blending fantasy with the grotesque, Writer-Director Lisa Brühlmann creates a unique, otherworldly coming-of-age story filled with magical realism.

AWARDS:

SWISS FILM AWARDS, 2018  - Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Fiction Film,

FILM FESTIVAL MAX OPHÜLS PRIZE, 2018 Best Director

Saturday, Oct 20th, 6:30 pm – DOUBLE FEATURE

IN THE AISLES  (IN DEN GÄNGEN)

LA Premiere

Directed by Thomas Stuber

Germany (2018), 125 min, German with English subtitles

With his new job at a wholesale market in an eastern German province, the shy and reclusive Christian (Franz Rogowski) plunges into an unknown universe of endless aisles and warehouse order. Bruno (Peter Kurth) from the beverage department takes Christian under his wing and shows him the tricks of the trade, including the often-surreal secrets of mastering the forklift. In the aisles, Christian meets the mysteriously charming Marion (Sandra Hüller) from the candy section and is instantly smitten. 

The coffee machine serves as their regular meeting point as the two get to know each other. But for Marion, who is married, their playfully flirtatious friendship has deeper consequences. As Christian slowly becomes a member of the wholesale market family, his days of stacking shelves mean much more to him than meets the eye.  Director Thomas Stuber’s adaptation of Clemens Meyer’s short story is a delicate choreography of people, their dreams, desires, and the poetry of their everyday lives. Cinematographer Peter Matjasko artfully captures the subtleties of the film’s often-muted visual design, creating a world where magic can be found in the mundane.

AWARDS:

GERMAN FILM AWARDS, 2018 (Best Leading Actor – Franz Rogowski)

IFF BERLIN, 2018 (Gilde Award of the Ecumenical Jury)

Saturday, Oct 20th, (approximately) 9:00 pm – DOUBLE FEATURE

TRANSIT 

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by Christian Petzold

Germany/France (2018), 101 min, German with English subtitles

As German troops quickly advance on Paris, Georg (Franz Rogowski), a German refugee, flees to the port city of Marseille. He carries a manuscript, letters, and documents for a transit visa from the Mexican Embassy; all belonging to a deceased writer named Weidel. Only those who can prove that they are in transit are permitted to stay in Marseille, where refugees have gathered waiting for ships, and transit visas are in high demand. Desperate, Georg assumes Weidel’s identity and delves into the delicate

and complex world of the refugee community, only to question the purpose of moving on at all.  Everything changes when he meets the mysterious Marie (Paula Beer), who is searching for her husband, a writer, said to be in Marseille with a Mexican visa for them both.

Intertwining the uncanny parallels between historical fact and present-day Marseille, Christian Petzold's adaptation of Anna Seghers’ 1942 novel is an intricate and haunting story of love, morality, the meaning of human connection and a longing for a place one can call home.

Official Selection - 2018 Berlin Film Festival

Official Selection - 2018 Sydney Film Festival

Sunday, Oct 21st, 5:00 pm

3 DAYS IN QUIBERON (3 TAGE IN QUIBERON)

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by Emily Atef

Germany/Austria/France (2018), 115 min, German & French with English subtitles

1981, Quiberon, France. Romy Schneider (Marie Bäumer), the most famous female star in Europe of her time, has come to this small seaside village to recuperate, and, with the support of her close friend, Hilde (Birgit Minichmayr), begin to fight her demons. But, this is more than just the reunion of two old friends. Despite her previous negative encounters with the German Press, Schneider has granted “Stern” magazine reporter Michael Jürgs (Robert Gwisdek) and photographer Robert Lebeck (Charly Hübner) an interview and photoshoot that form the basis of this film. What unfolds over these three days is a cat-and-mouse game between the fragile actress and the ambitious writer, in which Schneider bares her soul, almost to the breaking point. Cinematographer Thomas Kiennast’s striking camerawork captures not only the feel of Lebeck’s photographs, but also Schneider’s vulnerability. Writer-Director Emily Atef’s screenplay comes to life through the powerful performances of the film’s cast.   What emerges is a multifaceted portrait of a compelling actress and woman who unsparingly gives her all.

Q&A with writer-director Emily Atef, and cinematographer Thomas W. Kiennast following the screening.

SELECT AWARDS:

GERMAN FILM AWARDS, 2018  - Best Film Gold, Best Director, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Score.

Sunday, Oct 21st , 7:30 pm

THE SILENT REVOLUTION  (DAS SCHWEIGENDE KLASSENZIMMER)

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by Lars Kraume

Germany (2018), 96 min, German with English subtitles

1956. During one of their secret visits to a cinema in West Berlin, East German high school pupils Theo (Leonard Scheicher) and Kurt (Tom Gramenz) see graphic newsreel footage depicting the violent suppression of the people’s uprising in Budapest. Back at home in Stalinstadt, the boys share the startling news with their friend Erik (Jonas Dassler) and their classmates. When the class agrees to hold a moment of silence for the victims of the Hungarian struggle for freedom, no one is prepared for the repercussions of what this act of solidarity unleashes. Caught-up in the political machinery of a state determined to make an example of them, the students face a difficult decision that has dramatic consequences for their futures; do they choose to stand together, or allow the state to tear them apart? Director and screenwriter Lars Kraume’s adaptation of Dietrich Garstka’s eponymous book, an account of own experiences and those of his 18 classmates, offers a timely and sobering reflection on the nature of protest and political action.  

AWARDS:

FILMFEST MÜNCHEN, 2018 (The German Cinema Award for Peace - The Bridge)

BAVARIAN FILM AWARDS, 2018 (Best Young Actor – Jonas Dassler) 

Sunday, Oct 21st, 1:00 pm (Free Family Matinee)

Monday, Oct 22nd, 10:00 am (Free School Matinee)

THE LEGEND OF TIMM THALER OR THE BOY WHO SOLD HIS LAUGHTER

(TIMM THALER ODER DAS VERKAUFTE LACHEN)

Los Angeles Premiere

Directed by Andreas Dresen

Germany (2017), 102 min, German with English subtitles

From a poor family, Timm Thaler (Arved Friese) seems to have few reasons to laugh. After his father passes away, the young boy must live with his mean stepmother, Lydia (Steffi Kühnert). Nevertheless, Timm stays positive, and with the help of his friends Ida (Jule Hermann) and Kreschimir (CharlyHübner), he always remembers to laugh.  His laughter is so extraordinarily charming that the mysterious Baron Lefuet (Justus von Dohnányi) wants it for himself at all costs. The diabolical Baron promises Timm that he will never lose another bet in his life if he signs his laugh over to him. Shortly after agreeing to the deal, Timm has everything he could dream of, but, as the stakes grow higher; Timm learns that winning isn’t everything. Ultimately, only his true friends can help him break away from the Baron’s devilish schemes and, through a clever trick, win back his laugh. James Krüss’ celebrated 1962 children’s novel about the true nature of happiness comes to life in Director Andreas Dresen’s award winning, good-hearted fantasy for the whole family. 

Content advisory: Scenes of slight danger and supernatural powers.

AWARDS:

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL 2017 – Children’s Jury Prize

KINOFEST LÜNEN 2017 – School Film Prize 10+

IFF SCHLINGEL, Chemnitz 2017– Goethe-Institut Youth and Children’s Film Award

GOLDENER SPATZ 2017 – Best Actor, Arved Friese

Monday, Oct 22nd, 8:00 pm

KREATUR – Sasha Waltz & Guests

US Premiere

Followed by After-Party

A film by Bettina Borgfeld and Jochen Sandig

Germany/France (2018), 90 min, DCP Projection

Co-production by Sasha Waltz & Guests and the ZDF in cooperation with ARTE

Filmed at Radialsystem

Co-presented with UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the company Sasha Waltz & Guests is currently touring the U.S. This special evening presents the US premiere of the film version of Sasha Waltz’ choreography »Kreatur,« which was realized in collaboration with their longstanding partners ZDF/ARTE. For »Kreatur« Sasha Waltz, with her 14 dancers, examines the phenomena of existence against the background of a disrupted society: power and a lack of power, dominance and weakness, freedom and control, community and isolation. Since its 2017 world premiere in Berlin, the piece has toured nationally and internationally in Athens, Avignon, Barcelona, Bruxelles, Dijon, Essen, Lisbon, and Rome among others.

Sasha Waltz & Guests - The company was founded by Sasha Waltz and Jochen Sandig in Berlin in 1993, and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To date, more than 300 artists and ensembles – architects, visual artists, choreographers, filmmakers, designers, musicians, singers and dancers – from 25 countries have collaborated as “Guests”. www.sashawaltz.de/en

Co-presented with UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts? with the support of Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House.

This evening is part of the Year of German-American Friendship 2018/19 – a comprehensive and collaborative initiative of the Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institut, and with the support of the Federation of German Industries (BDI).

Q&A with choreographer Sasha Waltz, directors Jochen Sandig & Bettina Borgfeld, cinematographer Daniel Koppelkamm, and the dancers Nicola Mascia, Clémentine Deluy, Claudia de Serpa Soares, Davide Camplani, Virgis Puodziunas, and Yael Schnell following the screening

About the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles: The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. The institute promotes knowledge of the German-language abroad and fosters international cultural cooperation. The Goethe-Institut Los Angeles operates on a partnership basis.  For individual projects, as for longer-term joint ventures, the Goethe-Institut connects with stakeholders in the cultural scene – institutions, organizations, companies, people in and from Southern California and Arizona, Germany, and other countries (in particular our European neighbors).

For more information about the festival, please visit GermanCurrents.com.