Germany's Other Cinema
Nine Films on Video
Presented by the Goethe Institute of Atlanta and ICESTORM International,
Inc.
ICESTORM International,
Inc., the American distributor of East German films on video and DVD,
is very pleased to present this special selection of films, in cooperation
with the Goethe Institute Altanta. This is the first time many of these
films will be shown in this country. We hope you enjoy discovering the
treasures of the DEFA film studios.
Where: Goethe Institute
Atlanta
When: at 7:00 pm
A Berlin Romance March 7, 2001
Original Title: Eine Berliner Romanze
Director: Gerhard Klein / 1956; 81 min.; b/w; English subtitles
Uschi from the East meets Hans from the West. A love story between worlds
and systems. This film is now considered one of the best and most precise
portrayals of the Berlin youth scene during the Cold War.
And Your Love Too
March 14, 2001
Original Title: Sțund deine Liebe auch
Director: Frank Vogel / 1962; 92 min.; b/w; English subtitles
On August 13, 1961 - the night the Berlin Wall was built - three people
must make a decision that will change their lives forever. The border
guard between East and West is played by Armin Mueller-Stahl - one of
his first big roles with DEFA.
The Bicycle March
23, 2001
Original Title: Das Fahrrad
Director: Evelyn Schmidt / 1982; 89 min.; b/w; English subtitles
Susanne is a single mother who lives a somewhat carefree lifestyle. After
quitting her job, she finds herself in deep financial trouble and has
a hard time making ends meet. Cultural authorities proclaimed this truthful
portrayal of the GDR's melancholic reality as false and turned down all
international invitations for this film. Today it is recognized as one
of the most important German feminist films.
The Destinies of
Women March 28, 2001
Original Title: Frauenschicksale
Director: Slatan Dudow / 1952; 105 min.; color; English subtitles The
Destinies of Women was created during the peak of cultural/political dogmatism
in the GDR. The film was heavily criticized by the SED party because of
its portrayal of the protagonist Conny. A womanizer from West Berlin,
Conny manipulates four female lovers for his ego and pleasure. Stylistic
innovation and a striking montage approach make this film one of the classics
of early DEFA works. Aside from the nuances of the story, it offers an
accurate picture of the times and proves to be a substantial political
study.
The Gleiwitz Case
April 4, 2001
Original Title: Der Fall Gleiwitz
Director: Gerhard Klein / 1961; 70 min.; b/w; English subtitles
To make what is now considered one of the most modern and experimental
films in DEFA history, Director Gerhard Klein reconstructed details of
the surprise attack by a Nazi unit on the radio station at Gleiwitz, a
German town on the Polish border in 1939. This attack, which was blamed
on Polish forces, served as Hitler's justification for marching into Poland
- thus starting the Second World War.
Carbide and Sorrel
April 11, 2001
Original Title: Karbid und Sauerampfer
Director: Frank Beyer / 1963; 80 min.; b/w; English subtitles
Combining fast-paced humor, keen social observation and popular appeal,
this film reached over 1 million viewers in a short three-month period
when it first hit theaters. Erwin Geschonneck, who plays the main part
in this film, is one of the most famous East German actors. He will celebrate
his 95th birthday in December 2001.
Ete and Ali April
18, 2001
Original Title: Ete und Ali
Director: Peter Kahane / 1985; 92 min.; color; English subtitles
A comedy about an unlikely pair of guys. The critics' reaction was enthusiastic:
"A film as earnest as life and as imaginative as art canbe."
Ete and Ali brings to mind Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder and Woody Allen...with
a little Laurel and Hardy mixed in.
Hot Summer April
25, 2001
Original Title: Heißer Sommer
Director: Joachim Hasler / 1968; 91 min.; color; English subtitles
An original DEFA musical. Since its 1993 comeback in Germany, Hot Summer
has risen to the ranks of quirky and "alternative" cult films.
East Germany's own unique version of Grease.
Chingachgook, the
Great Snake May 02, 2001
Original Title: Chingachgook, die große Schlange
Director: Richard Groschopp / 1967; 86 min.; color; English subtitles
A Cowboys & Indians action adventure based on the story "The
Deerslayer" (one of The Leatherstocking Tales) by American author
James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851). "Westerns with a twist."
- The Hollywood Reporter
ICESTORM International,
Inc.
78 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060 USA
Phone: (413) 587-9334 Fax: (413) 587-9305
info@icestorm-video.com
www.icestorm-video.com
Goethe Institute Atlanta
1197 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30361-2401
Phone: (404) 892-2388
www.goethe.de/uk/atl
