Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) & Kuhle Wampe (1932) & Drive (2011)
Film programme around Garten sprengen

Accompanying Veronika Eberhart's exhibition "Garten sprengen", IKOB presents a three-part film programme on the Open Art Sunday on Sunday, 4th February: Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004), Kuhle Wampe (1932), and Drive (2011). These films span a time frame of nearly 80 years and take place in completely different realities, yet they are united by an exploration of social inequality and urbanity. The program also connects central themes in Veronika Eberhart's film Garten sprengen: censorship, architecture, the role of music in film, and, last but not least, the city of Los Angeles.

13:00: Los Angeles Plays Itself (dir. Thom Andersen, 2004, 170 minutes) / English

A video essay on the relationship between the city of Los Angeles and its portrayal in Hollywood films. By using scenes from over 100 films and carefully piecing them together, filmmaker Thom Andersen provides a deep insight into the symbiotic relationship between the City of Angels and the dream factory. A fascinating reflection on the power and influence of media on the perception of cities.

16:00: Kuhle Wampe oder: Wem gehört die Welt? (dir. Slatan Dudow, 1932, 74 minutes) / German with English subtitles

A timeless classic from 1930s Berlin that sheds light on the class struggle and social challenges of the era. Directed by Slatan Dudow, Bertolt Brecht was one of the scriptwriters involved in its creation. A mixture of fiction, documentary and propaganda film, enriched with elements of a music film. The film, in particular a scene involving an abortion, was subject to censorship during the Weimar Republic and was only released in its original version later.

17:30: Drive (dir. Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011, 100 minutes) / English with German subtitles

A gripping thriller with a pulsating soundtrack. The film tells the story of an unnamed driver who works as a stunt driver in Los Angeles and fills in as a getaway driver for crimes at night. When he falls in love with his neighbour Irene, he gets caught up in a dangerous maelstrom of violence and intrigue. A dark and visually stunning journey through the darker side of Los Angeles.

The event will take place in the cinema room of the IKOB. Admission is free and everyone is cordially invited. Visitors can attend one, both, or all three film screenings, and can come and go as they please.