FR, 20.10.2023 19.00h

D 1930, 74 min., DCP, Stumm, Live-Musik, Regie: Robert Siodmak und Edgar G. Ulmer, Buch: Billy Wilder

The two-part series starts with the film "Menschen am Sonntag". The film authentically captures the everyday life and human dynamics of this time and tells the story of four young people who go on a Sunday outing to Wannsee. They swim, go for a walk, listen to the gramophone, flirt and argue, thus providing insights into interpersonal relationships of young people of that time with their needs for friendship, love, leisure and the pursuit of happiness. The film was shot with amateur actors who give it an unmistakable authenticity and naturalness and is an important work of New Objective Film.

Before the film begins, a discussion with film journalist Christian Meyer-Pröbstl and historian Stefan Lewejohann on the making of the film and the period in which it was made, moderated by Marie-Anne Schlolaut. Live film music by Matthias Hirth from NewsoundKino with a newly composed silent film live soundtrack.

An event of the University and City Library of Cologne in cooperation with WDR 3, Kölner Illustrierten, Kölnisches Stadtmuseum and kindly supported by the Cultural Office of the City of Cologne.

FR, 27.10.2023 19.00h

D 1927, 65 min., DCP, Stumm, Live-Musik, Regie: Walter Ruttmann

The film series concludes with the film "BERLIN. DIE SINFONIE DER GROSSSTADT". It shows in documentary form the pulsating life in Berlin during the interwar period and offers an insight into the modern city life of the time with interwoven short episodes and impressions, from work in the factories to nightlife, which paint the overall picture of the city. Dynamic and experimental camerawork, different shooting perspectives and montage techniques, as well as slow motion and time-lapse effects create movement and pace and give the film an avant-garde character. It is an important film of the new objectivity and emphasises the dynamics and pace of the city.

Before the film begins, a discussion with media scientist Prof. Dr. Lisa Gotto and historian Stefan Lewejohann on the making of the film and the period in which it was made, moderated by Marie-Anne Schlolaut. Live film music by Matthias Hirth from NewsoundKino with a newly composed silent film live soundtrack.

An event of the University and City Library Cologne in cooperation with WDR 3, Kölner Illustrierten, Kölnisches Stadtmuseum and kindly supported by the Cultural Office of the City of Cologne.