IFI Kinofest 2014, presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Irland, gives an overview Germany’s active and inventive film culture. With special guest Stefanie Groß and Antonia Bill representing new talent, master filmmaker Edgar Reitz’s latest instalment in the Heimat series, and a rare screening of Volker Schlöndorff’s adaptation of Baal featuring Rainer Werner Fassbinder, this year’s IFI Kinofest promises to be a key event for lovers of European film.
Opening the IFI Kinofest is a screening of Bettina Blümner’s debut feature Broken Glass Park which follows a complex and troubled young Russian immigrant reacting and adapting to her stepfather’s imprisonment for the brutal murder of her mother. Fritzi Bauer’s excellent performance in the centre of this film captures the character’s yearning for escape from the past and hope for the future. Producer Stefanie Groß will take part in a Q&A after the screening which will be followed by a reception courtesy of the German Embassy Dublin.
There’s more great new work with a preview of Stations of the Cross that will also open at the IFI later in the year. Dietrich’s Brüggemann’s film is a formally inventive and rigorous examination of radical faith and devotion that is daring, intelligent and slyly humorous. Edward Berger’s Jack also follows the theme of young people coming of age with the eponymous character running away social services care and a troubled family life. A sincere and affecting drama in the spirit of the Dardennes and Ken Loach.
Volker Schlöndorff’s adaptation of Brecht’s first play Baal so displeased the writer’s estate that it remained virtually unseen for over 40 years after its first transmission on German television in 1970. The film is a rolecall of then emerging German talent who would go on to reshape German cinema: Schlöndorff, Margarethe von Trotta, Hanna Schygulla, and, in the title role, a dishevelled, mesmerising Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Edgar Reitz’s world renowned Heimat series has been a monumental achievement in German filmmaking running to 57 hours and covering years 1919 to 2000. Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision is a prequel set in Germany in the 1840s and though it will surely be of interest to established fans, requires no special Heimat knowledge. In fact it might be a great place to start! Actor Antonia Bill (Jettchen) will be will be in attendance to talk about the film.
IFI Kinofest – Screenings Calendar
October 9th 18.30 – Broken Glass Park (+Q&A with Stefanie Groß and a reception courtesy of the German Embassy Dublin)
October 10th 20.45 – Stations of the Cross
October 11th 18.15 – Jack
October 12th 16.00 – Baal
October 12th 18.00 – Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision (+Q&A with Antonia Bill)
Tickets for IFI Kinofest are available now from the IFI Box Office on 01 679 3477 or online at www.ifi.ie. Full details of all the films are available on the website.