Exploring Cinema: Berlin's Film Scene Under the Scholarly Gaze of Professor Johannes von Moltke

In the world of German film and television, Professor Johannes von Moltke of the University of Michigan is a respected figure. His expertise spans Germanic languages, film, television, and media, making him a valuable voice in the field.

One of his favourite series is 'German Film Classics', a collection designed to be accessible and engaging for both students and the general public. This series, although with a shorter run than initially hoped, has produced books that von Moltke is proud of, including 'The New History of German Cinema'.

Von Moltke's love for German cinema extends beyond the pages of his books. He has been known to frequent the Moviemento in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin's oldest and longest-running cinemas, despite not being particularly fond of its screening rooms.

At the Berlinale, von Moltke has had the pleasure of watching films such as Andreas Dresen's drama In Liebe, Eure Hilde and Ruth Beckermann's documentary Favoriten. Favoriten, in particular, stands out as one of his festival favourites.

Von Moltke's passion for German cinema is not limited to the past. He is eagerly awaiting the release of 'The Zone of Interest', a cinematic reflection on Auschwitz, the Holocaust, and the history of National Socialism. The film stars Sandra Hüller, who has been winning acting prizes during this awards season.

In addition to 'German Film Classics', von Moltke edits the book series 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual'. This outlet for books focusing on German cinema in its broadest sense has published volumes on a wide range of topics in German and Austrian film history. 'Screen Cultures: German Film and the Visual' also publishes a spin-off series called 'German Film Classics'.

On May 7, von Moltke will be giving a public lecture. Registration for this event is available here. For those who cannot attend, von Moltke suggests seeking out one- or two-screen theatres to support neighbourhood cultural programming.

In a recent publication, von Moltke has shared the last letters exchanged by his grandparents, Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke, who were WWII dissidents. This English edition offers a unique insight into their lives and their resistance against the Nazi regime.

As for von Moltke's future projects, the last film release expected in 2024 has not been publicly specified. However, one can be certain that von Moltke will continue to be a significant figure in the world of German film and television.