The fifth annual German Film Week commenced at the nearly full Albéniz cinema in Malaga on Tuesday, November 26th. This prestigious event, a collaborative effort between SUR deutsche Ausgabe, the Goethe Institute in Madrid, and the German consulate in Malaga, shines a spotlight on the latest trends in German filmmaking. The aim is twofold: to strengthen the cultural ties between Germany and Spain while offering film enthusiasts a “unique opportunity” to experience recently produced German films that may never find their way to Spanish cinemas.
Over the course of the week, ending on Saturday, the Albéniz cinema will showcase nine feature films, all yet to be released in Spain. “We have curated an interesting and ambitious program,” remarked Uwe Scheele, director of the German edition of SUR. Martin Reichardt, director of the Goethe Institute in Madrid, lauded the program’s “exceptional diversity,” emphasizing that it allows audiences to discover a facet of German film production that remains relatively unknown in Spain. Franko Stritt of the German consulate in Malaga, highlighted the need to move beyond stereotypes: “Everyone knows about Oktoberfest, but it is not the only example of German culture.”
They applaud the “exceptional diversity” of the line-up, with young and established directors and all kinds of genres
This year’s program features works by esteemed directors alongside debut films. Among the highlights is Sonja Heiss’s critically acclaimed “Wann Wird Es Endlich Wieder So, Wie Es Nie War” (When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before), which premiered at the Berlinale. This film will be screened this Wednesday, November 27th at 9 pm. Sarah Blaßkiewitz’s promising film “Ivie wie ivie” (Precious Life) will be screened this Wednesday at 6.45 pm.
The program boasts the presence of esteemed actors and rising talent, such as Lela Urzendowsky, a “young star” making waves in contemporary cinema. Urzendowsky stars in two films featured in Malaga: “Franky five star” which will be screened on Saturday at 6.45 pm, and “Jenseits der blauen grenze” (Beyond the blue border) on Thursday at 6.45 pm.
Audiences can anticipate a diverse selection of genres, from comedies and dramas to thrillers with echoes of classic film noir. Historical productions and films that grapple with life’s complexities and contemporary social issues are also part of the lineup, Scheele pointed out. From a satirical exploration of the challenges of the rental market in “Black box” (Saturday 9.30 pm) to a chilling historical reconstruction of the horrors of World War II in “Die Wannseekonferenz” (The Conference) on Friday at 9.30 pm, there is something to captivate every cinematic taste. Viewers can also delve into the world of Franz Kafka with “Die Herrlichkeit des Lebens” (The Glory of Life), a film that tells the story of his profound love affair.
Opening film
The German Film Week commenced on Tuesday with “Die Liebe des Franz Kafkas” (Kafka’s love), a film that reconstructs the last year of the writer’s life. Described as an “artistic and poetic film,” it portrays both the tragedy and beauty of Kafka’s final romance. Director Georg Maas presented his film at the Albéniz cinema on Tuesday and engaged in a discussion with the audience after the screening. This is Maas’s first time in Malaga, a city he describes as “a city of architectural contrasts”.
Beginning as a mere idea five years ago, the German Film Week has blossomed into “an essential cultural event” on Malaga’s cultural calendar, Scheele added. It appeals to both cinema enthusiasts and the large German community residing in Malaga province.
Around the province
For the second consecutive year, the German Film Week is expanding beyond Malaga city, reaching out to Mijas and Torrox, two municipalities with significant German populations. “Wann Wird Es Endlich Wieder So, Wie Es Nie War” (When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before), a tragicomedy about a young boy who spends his childhood in the psychiatric hospital run by his father, will be screened for free in these two towns. It will be shown in Mijas Pueblo’s town hall on Wednesday and in Torrox’s multipurpose building on Thursday.
“This cultural celebration unites two brother towns,” stated Óscar Medina, the mayor of Torrox, which is home to Spain’s largest German community, with approximately 6,000 residents. Medina expressed his belief that, over time, this festival will become one of the most important film festivals in southern Europe. Mario Bravo, the councillor of Mijas, a town with around 1,065 German residents, highlighted the richness of the cultural mix and expressed pride in Mijas being a welcoming haven for those who have made Spain their home.
All films will be screened in their original German version with Spanish subtitles.
Who are some of the notable directors or actors whose works are being showcased at the German Film Week in Malaga?
## Interview: Spotlight on German Film Week in Malaga
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Tonight, we’re discussing the fifth annual German Film Week taking place right here in Malaga. Joining us is [Guest Name], [guest’s title or affiliation, e.g., director of the German Film Week, film critic, etc.]. Thanks for being here.
**Guest:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** This event seems to be generating quite a buzz.
Can you tell us what makes the German Film Week so special?
**Guest:** Absolutely! This week-long event is a wonderful opportunity for film lovers in Malaga to experience a diverse selection of recently released German films that might not otherwise make it to Spanish cinemas. [[1](https://www.surinenglish.com/what-to-do/curtain-ready-up-for-german-film-week-20231115115907-nt.html)]It’s a fantastic collaboration between SURdeutsche Ausgabe, the Goethe Institute in Madrid, and the German consulate in Malaga, all driven by a desire to foster cultural exchange and showcase the richness of German filmmaking.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! What types of films can attendees expect to see?
**Guest**: The program is truly exceptional in its diversity. [[1](https://www.surinenglish.com/what-to-do/curtain-ready-up-for-german-film-week-20231115115907-nt.html)]We have critically acclaimed works by established directors like Sonja Heiss’s “Wann Wird Es Endlich Wieder So, Wie Es Nie War,” alongside promising debut films like Sarah Blaßkiewitz’s “Ivie wie ivie”. You’ll find everything from comedies and dramas to thrillers and historical productions, ensuring there’s something for every cinematic taste.
**Interviewer:** Can you give us a taste of some of the highlights?
**Guest:** Definitely! This year’s program features rising star Lela Urzendowsky, who appears in two of the featured films: “Franky five star” and “Jenseits der blauen grenze”. We also have “Die Wannseekonferenz,” a chilling historical drama about the Wannsee Conference. And of course, the opening film, “Die Liebe des Franz Kafkas,” explores the final year in the life of the acclaimed writer.
**Interviewer:** This sounds like a fascinating opportunity to explore modern German cinema. Any final thoughts for our viewers?
**Guest:** If you’re a fan of film and want to experience a truly unique cinematic journey, don’t miss the German Film Week! You’ll be surprised and delighted by the diversity and quality of these films.