This April marks the 12th edition of Achtung Berlin, the festival for up-and-coming hometown filmmakers (not to mention the third presentation of Achtung’s Exberliner Film Award!). Get caught up on the fest’s history as we present 10 Days, 10 Achtung Films, a very special EXBlicks edition at Lichtblick Kino.
The scope, diversity and adventurousness of these films mirror that of Berlin itself. It all kicks off with local mumblecore hero Axel Ranisch’s Dicke Mädchen (2012; check out our interview) which along with Tom Lass’ Papa Gold (2011) was shot outside the confines of the traditional film financing system and represents a breath of DIY “fresh air” in German cinema.
You’ll have the chance to see Marcus Lenz’ intimate drama Close, the festival’s first winner in 2005, as well as documentaries like Der Tag (2009), in which Uli M. Schüppel collaborates with Einstürzende Neubauten member FM Einheit to explore 12 Berliners’ last days on Earth; and Julien Vogel’s Palast (2013), which melds architectural critique, social history and expert storytelling to portray life in the Sozialpalast housing complex in Schöneberg.
Later entries include Danish DFFB grad Anne Sophie Hartmann’s Limbo (2015), a low key love story between an art teacher and her student that doesn’t fit into the usual Berlin LGBTQ mould.
As usual, screenings will be presented with guest Q&As and complementary wine! RSVP on our Facebook event.
EXBLICKS: 10 DAYS, 10 ACHTUNG FILMS Mar 13-22 | Lichtblick Kino, Kastenienallee 77, Prenzlauer Berg, U-Bhf Senefelderplatz. Starts March 13.
Originally published in issue #147, March 2015.