Presented by Palace, the German Film Festival will screen the best new films from Germany showcasing Festival favourites, works of auteurs and the best new talent.
This year’s programme, presented in association with German Films, will screen from 25 May – 20 June at Palace Cinemas across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.
German Film Festival spokesperson Bettina Kinski said, “We’re truly excited to return to screens with the latest in German Cinema, something we sadly missed in 2020. The Festival will be a great opportunity for people interested in German language films and culture to reunite and reconnect – and we look forward to welcoming them.”
At the Centrepiece of the Festival programme is FABIAN: GOING TO THE DOGS (Fabian oder Der Gang vor die Hunde). Straight from its world premiere at the 2021 Berlinale, Dominik Graf’s adaptation of Erich Kästner’s iconic 1930s Berlin set novel, sees a dashing idealist played by Tom Schilling find love amidst the twilight hedonism of pre-Nazi Germany.
Other Festival highlights include:
ELECTRIC GIRL – A high energy blend of animation and psychological study, in which a slam poet begins to embody the Japanese anime superheroine that she voices.
HOW I TAUGHT MYSELF TO BE A CHILD (Wie ich lernte, bei mir selbst Kind zu sein) – In conservative 1950s Vienna the youngest son of an established Austrian dynasty of confectionery millionaires discovers the power of love, humour and his own extraordinary ability to shape his realities.
NIGHTLIFE – One man’s romantic encounter with the woman of his dreams turns into a crazy chase through the Berlin night in this wild comedy starring Elyas M’Barek and Palina Rojinski.
THE AUDITION (Das Vorspiel) – A meticulously arranged visual concerto from acclaimed German actor/director Ina Weisse, this gripping drama stars Nina Hoss as a woman trapped in the pursuit of success.
The Goethe-Institut will again contribute the popular sidebar “Kino for Kids“, a programme especially dedicated to children and teens. Eva Baker, Head of Language Australia and Deputy Director said, “It is a wonderful opportunity for young audiences, schools and families alike to experience a fantastic collection of the latest German films. This year, the audience can look forward to curious and strong young characters in their journeys through life.”
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany are long term supporters of the Festival and Jens Hoch, Head of the Embassy’s Culture Section, said “We are delighted that the Festival is back in 2021 as films are such an important way for cultures to connect. We are thrilled that some of the best of contemporary German cinema will be screened nationally.”
The full program will be announced in early May when tickets go on sale.
The German Film Festival will take place nationally from 25 May – 20 June in the following cities:
Sydney: 25 May – 13 June, Palace Norton, Chauvel Cinemas, Palace Central
Canberra: 26 May – 13 June, Palace Electric
Melbourne: 27 May – 13 June, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema
Brisbane: 1 – 20 June, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
Adelaide: 2 – 20 June, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Perth: 3 – 20 June, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square
Byron Bay: 4 – 20 June, Palace Byron Bay
For more information, please visit www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
