Berlin's film industry under scholarly scrutiny: Professor Johannes von Moltke offers academic insights into the city's cinema culture
In the vibrant film scene of Berlin, a city brimming with venues such as the Arsenal, the Zeughauskino at the German Historical Museum, and the Filmmuseum Potsdam, a distinguished scholar has found himself immersed. Professor Johannes von Moltke, a specialist in Germanic languages, film, television, and media, is currently a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin.
During his stay, Professor von Moltke has been keeping a keen eye on the Berlinale, the city's renowned film festival. Two films that have particularly caught his interest are Andreas Dresen's drama In Liebe, Eure Hilde and Ruth Beckermann's documentary Favoriten. He hopes these films will soon be released in theaters for a wider audience to enjoy.
Professor von Moltke's academic contributions extend beyond film criticism. He is the editor of the book series 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual', an outlet for books focusing on German cinema in its broadest sense. One of the series' volumes, 'The New History of German Cinema', offers a comprehensive exploration of the field. The series also has a spin-off titled 'German Film Classics', each volume dedicated to the close, contextual analysis of one film, ranging from Weimar-era titles to recent films.
The professor's latest publication is the English edition of the last letters exchanged by his grandparents, Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke, who were prominent WWII dissidents. This poignant work offers a unique insight into the turbulent times.
Aside from his scholarly pursuits, Professor von Moltke is also looking forward to watching Sandra Huëller's performance in the cinematic reflection on Auschwitz, the Holocaust, and the history of National Socialism, The Zone of Interest.
On May 7, Professor von Moltke will be giving a public lecture, a chance for the public to delve deeper into his research on the cultural politics of the New Right. Registration for this event can be found here.
In his recommendations for film enthusiasts, Professor von Moltke encourages seeking out one- or two-screen theatres to support neighborhood cultural programming. One such establishment is the Moviemento in Kreuzberg, one of the oldest and longest-running cinemas in Berlin, having opened in 1907.
Whether it's through his scholarly works, public lectures, or film recommendations, Professor von Moltke continues to contribute significantly to the world of German film and visual culture.
