Co-presented by the L.A. Philharmonic and Los Angeles Filmforum:
Situated between the end of World War I and Hitler’s assumption of power, the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) was an era characterized by extreme contrasts. Germany’s first democracy thrived as a laboratory for unprecedented cultural achievement and social freedoms while suffering from the aftermath of war, political unrest, massive inflation and economic hardship. At the same time that people enjoyed new-found liberties, their daily realities remained deeply burdened by poverty and economic crisis.

While commonly associated with German Expressionism and narrative film, Weimar cinema is considered equally influential in the realm of the avant-garde. From Dadaist art to city symphonies to abstract experiments with animated shapes and colors, Weimar cinema constantly broke new ground. Weimar Variations: Experimentation/Abstraction offers a sampling of its styles and illustrates its lasting impact on modern cinema both in the art world and beyond.

Films include:
“Lichtspiel Opus III” (1924, 4 min. Dir. Walter Ruttmann)
“Ghosts before Breakfast” (1928, 9 min. Dir. Hans Richter)
untitled (2014, 6 min. Dir. Oliver Laric)
BERLIN, SYMPHONY OF A GREAT CITY, 1927, 64 min. Dir. Walter Ruttmann.

Please arrive early; RSVP is not a guarantee of admission. Seating is first come, first served to RSVP holders after doors open at noon. There will be a standby line when the theatre is at capacity. Between films, guests will be admitted as seats become available.