German Film Festival 2021
Film festival enthusiasts should be delighted to learn that even though COVID-19 has disrupted film production in Germany, there are still 30 titles (27 of which are Australian premieres) that will screen at this year’s German Film Festival.
Opening night attendees can expect a small 30-minute reception with a glass of wine, German delicacies and atmospheric music followed by the international premiere screening of Next Door, a black comedy that should leave audiences questioning how much their neighbours really know about them.
A film that should garner much interest is The Audition. “This film revolves around the complicated world of violent teacher Anna, played by the impeccable Nina Hoss, who becomes obsessed with the progress of one of her students,” explained festival curator Bettina Kinski. “It’s a multi-layered film which deals with a woman trapped in the pursuit of success.”
Kino For Kids is a family-friendly program consisting of six films especially dedicated to children and teenagers. Too Far Away deals with an 11-year-old boy who moves to the city with his family and struggles to fit in at his new school. To make things worse a Syrian refugee out-performs him in class and on the football field.
Children who enjoy a real mystery should attend Max & The Wild Bunch. Max enjoys living in a castle, but there’s something mysterious going on at night while his mother’s at work.
Kinski is adamant that non-German speaking audiences should attend this festival.
“The idea of a festival is to bring people together, to experience something and laugh together especially important after last year where people were all separated owing to COVID-19. A language specific film festival is also a beautiful and fun way to learn about a country’s culture.”
May 25–Jun 20. Palace Central, Norton St & Chauvel. $19-$23+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
HOT PICKS
Fabian: Going To The Dogs – An exhilarating epic set just before the rise of Nazism that deals with corruption and the moral decay of society. The festival’s centrepiece film.
Berlin Alexanderplatz – An illegal immigrant from West Africa is washed up in Southern Europe and becomes involved in Berlin’s underworld. A beautiful and poetic film. Closing night selection.
How I Taught Myself To Be A Child – Quirky story of growing up in 1950s Vienna and centers around the son of an established Austrian dynasty of confectionery millionaire. Contains comedic and dramatic elements. A hidden gem.
