German Cinema is alive, groundbreaking, thought-provoking, and entertaining. From The Oscars to Berlinale and beyond, German Films are celebrated. German Currents, the 17thFestival of German Film is excited to bring a curated selection of award-winning films, US and LA premieres, and filmmakers from Germany to Los Angeles audiences this fall.
From Oct 13 through Oct 16, 2023, German Currents will take place at the American Cinematheque (Los Feliz 3 Theatres) and the Goethe-Institut space, rooted in the MacArthur Park neighborhood community. The Goethe-Institut, the German cultural center is a vibrant and a cutting-edge space for the arts. It is a vital center that connects people and builds a bridge between culture and communities through inclusive experiences, exhibits, concerts, screenings, and lively discussions.
Festival Director and Director of the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, Mrs. Birgit Ostermeier says:
“As the new Director of the Goethe-Institut in LA, I am proud to present this year’s edition of German Currents. More than just a series of film screenings, German Currents is a platform for cultural exchange, connecting German films and filmmakers with the greater Los Angeles community. In addition to an exciting selection of seven multi-award-winning films, representing a diverse cross-section of current German cinema, we will welcome two special festival guests: Actor Lena Urzendowsky, star of our opening night US premiere, FRANKY FIVE STAR, and director David Wnendt, who will present the US premiere of his film SONNE UND BETON. We are excited to host these talented filmmakers in Los Angeles and offer them the opportunity to get to know the American audience and vice versa.”
German Currents 2023 opens Friday, October 13th, at the Los Feliz 3 Theatre, with the exclusive US premiere of director Birgit Möller’s multi-award-winning festival favorite, FRANKY FIVE STAR, starring Lena Urzendowsky (COCOON, Netflix’s DARK, and HOW TO SELL DRUGS ONLINE (Fast). A discussion with Ms. Urzendowsky will follow the screening. Opening night event continues with the LA premiere of veteran German Filmmaker Fatih Akin’s German box office smash, RHINEGOLD (RHEINGOLD).
The festival weekend continues with the US premiere of David Wnendt’s SUN AND CONCRETE (SONNE UND BETON), adapted from Felix Lobrecht’s best-selling novel. David Wnendt (COMBAT GIRLS, WETLANDS) will be present to discuss his film. Additional screenings include the US premiere of the popular short film showcase NEXT GENERATION SHORT TIGER, the US premiere of Axel Ranisch’s ORPHEA IN LOVE, and the LA premiere of the retro-futuristic THE ORDINARIES, directed by Sophie Linnenbaum. To complete the festival program, German Currents will bring back its popular family matinee with a screening of MISSION ULJA FUNK, directed by Barbara Kronenberg, winner of the German Film Award for Best Youth Film.
For more information and to register for complimentary tickets to this year’s screenings, please click the following links:
German Currents 2023 Films
Goethe Institut