Konrad Wolf, Splendours of East German Cinema
A major filmmaker of the GDR, Konrad Wolf created a politically-conscious body of work, permeated by themes of memory, history and identity, while remaining a pivotal figure in East German culture. He drew on his own experiences - including his exile in the USSR, the war, the post-1945 era - as material for films that convey a rare intensity. His works, nourished by political reflection and a humanist heritage, illustrate the paradoxes of an artist caught up in the turmoil of the 20th century.
In collaboration with Coproduction Office. A selection of films by Konrad Wolf will be available after the festival on Arte.tv.
Screenings
Lissy by Konrad Wolf (1957, 1h29)
In 1932 in Berlin, Lissy's husband, who has just been fired from his job, becomes involved with the Nazi party. The young woman observes his rise with horror... The upsurge of Nazism from the perspective of a young woman. A keen and sensitive psychological analysis.
Institut Lumière (Hangar) Tue14 9.15am | Institut Lumière (Villa) Wed15 2.30pm | Institut Lumière (Villa) Fri17 7pm
Stars by Konrad Wolf (Sterne, 1959, 1h32)
In Bulgaria of 1943, a convoy of deportees is passing through. Walter, a German sub-officer responsible for guarding the camp, falls in love with a young Jewish woman... The first German film to deal with Auschwitz, a poignant drama well worthy of your attention. Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes.
Institut Lumière (Villa) Sat11 2.15pm | Institut Lumière (Hangar) Wed15 9am
Divided Heaven by Konrad Wolf (Der Geteilte Himmel, 1964, 1h54)
Rita, a young student, and Manfred, a chemist, are living a romance, but just before the wall is built, the latter decides to move to West Berlin... Based on the eponymous novel by Christa Wolf (who also contributed to the screenplay), the film presents a parable about a divided Germany.
Pathé Bellecour Sun12 11.15am | Institut Lumière (Villa) Mon13 11.15am
I Was Nineteen by Konrad Wolf (Ich war neunzehn, 1968, 1h55)
In April of 1945, Gregor Hecker, a young lieutenant in the Red Army, heads towards Berlin with his unit and rediscovers the country he had fled years ago... Based on the filmmaker's diary, this personal picture captures the full complexity of the era.
Lumière Terreaux Fri17 10.45am | Institut Lumière (Villa) Sat18 2.15pm
Solo Sunny by Konrad Wolf et Wolfgang Kohlhaase (1980, 1h42)
Ingrid quits her factory job and becomes a singer using the stage name Sunny. She traverses East Germany with her band... Konrad Wolf's final film is a hymn to self-discovery and freedom against the backdrop of a divided Germany.
Institut Lumière (Villa) Thu16 11.15am | Pathé Bellecour Sat18 9.30pm
