Exploration of Cinema: Scholar Johannes von Moltke scrutinizes the intellectual side of Berlin's film industry

In the bustling city of Berlin, film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cinematic history. One such enthusiast is Professor Johannes von Moltke, a scholar specialising in Germanic languages, film, television, and media at the University of Michigan.

Von Moltke's festival favourites often include Ruth Beckermann's school-room documentary Favoriten, which made waves at the Berlinale. Another noteworthy film is Andreas Dresen's drama of youthful anti-Nazi resistance, In Liebe, Eure Hilde, also shown at the Berlinale and expected to hit theaters soon.

For those seeking a deeper dive into German film history, the Arsenal, the Zeughauskino at the German Historical Museum, and the Filmmuseum Potsdam are must-visit venues. These institutions offer a wealth of information, from Weimar-era films to recent classics like Christian Petzold's 'Phoenix' and Maren Ade's 'Toni Erdmann'.

Von Moltke's academic work extends beyond film criticism. He is currently a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin, researching the cultural politics of the New Right. His recent publication, the English edition of the last letters exchanged by his grandparents, WWII dissidents Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke, offers a poignant glimpse into the past.

The professor also edits the book series 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual', which focuses on German cinema in its broadest sense. This series has published volumes on a wide range of topics and both monographs and anthologies, and has recently spun off a series called 'German Film Classics', which analyses individual films in an accessible and readable format for students and the cinephile public.

One of the oldest and longest-running cinemas in Berlin, the Moviemento in Kreuzberg, is a favourite spot of von Moltke. Despite not being a fan of its screening rooms, he appreciates its role in supporting neighbourhood cultural programming.

Von Moltke has yet to see the film The Zone of Interest, which reflects on the representation of Auschwitz, the Holocaust, and the history of National Socialism. The film stars Sandra Hüller, who has won multiple acting prizes during the awards season.

For those interested in von Moltke's work, he is registering for a public lecture on May 7. Keep an eye out for more insights into the world of German cinema from this esteemed scholar.