31/05/2024 - At this edition of the gathering, diversity and innovation, which characterise contemporary German cinema, take centre stage, reflecting an increasingly international approach

Today's German cinema is moving away from conventional narratives to explore more complex and universal themes. This evolution is line with an ideological awakening in Europe, marked by the blending of cultures and the progressive depersonalisation of society. The films presented at the German Film Fest. Madrid not only reflect these changes, but also address them with originality and a strong form of social commitment.

The festival will this year open with Milk Teeth [+see also:
film review
interview: Mona Cathleen Otterbach
interview: Sophia Bösch
film profile], the directorial debut by Sophia Bösch. Based on the novel by Helene Bukowski, the movie is presented as a dark, dystopian fairy tale that conveys a strong prophetic message.

Another highlight of the gathering is Eternal You [+see also:
film review
interview: Hans Block, Moritz Riesewieck
film profile] by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewick. The feature-length documentary, acclaimed at the Sundance Film Festival, investigates the use of artificial intelligence by startups to create avatars that allow users to communicate with deceased loved ones.

Christina Friedrich, a veteran of film and multidisciplinary art, presents Zone [+see also:
film review
interview: Christina Friedrich
film profile]. The film, world-premiered in IFFR's Harbour section, follows the story of a young woman who escapes from a juvenile detention centre. Zone then turns into a road movie that becomes a journey of self-discovery.

Martin Reads the Quran by Jurijs Saule, winner of the Lola Award for Best Screenplay, presents an intense encounter between a university professor who is an expert in the Quran and a religious fundamentalist. Written by Michail Lurje and Saule himself, the film stands out for its honesty and depth, addressing themes of religion, interpretation and extremism with a provocative and reflective narrative.

Veit Helmer, a veteran of German cinema, presents Gondola [+see also:
film review
interview: Veit Helmer
film profile], a visual masterpiece that tells the love story between two women who work on a cable car in the mountains of Georgia.

Held at the Embajadores cinemas from 12-16 June, the German Films' event is supported by the Goethe-Institut Madrid, Amigos del Goethe, the German Embassy in Madrid and Filmin.

In collaboration with

(Translated from Spanish)