Deutsche Kinemathek

Germany’s Moving Image Memory

The Deutsche Kinemathek is the national repository for Germany’s rich and often turbulent cinematic history. Founded in 1963, its mission is to collect, preserve, restore, and make accessible the vast audiovisual heritage of the country. Its collections are a testament to the entire history of German film, from the pioneering silent works of the Weimar Republic and the dark era of Nazi propaganda films to the radical innovations of the New German Cinema and contemporary productions. The Kinemathek functions as both a scholarly archive and a public-facing institution, serving researchers, filmmakers, and the general public alike.

Its importance extends beyond simply archiving film prints. The institution collects a wide array of film-related materials, creating a comprehensive picture of the production and reception of German cinema. This includes scripts, posters, costumes, set designs, production documents, and the personal estates of major German film figures like Marlene Dietrich and Werner Herzog.

The Museum for Film and Television

While the archive itself is the core of the institution, the Deutsche Kinemathek is most visible to the public through its Museum für Film und Fernsehen (Museum for Film and Television), located in the striking Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. The museum’s permanent exhibition offers an immersive journey through German film history, showcasing iconic props (like the robot from Metropolis), costumes, and interactive displays that explain the art and technology of filmmaking. It is a major cultural landmark in Berlin and a primary destination for anyone interested in the history of German media.

Role in the Berlinale

The Deutsche Kinemathek has a deep and integral relationship with the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the world’s leading film festivals. The Kinemathek is responsible for curating and organizing two of the festival’s most prestigious sections:

• The Retrospective: An extensive, scholarly program dedicated to a specific theme, director, or historical period of cinema. These retrospectives are known for their depth and for screening rare, newly restored prints.
• The Homage: A section that celebrates the lifetime achievement of a major international film personality, who is also awarded the festival’s Honorary Golden Bear. The Homage includes screenings of the honoree’s most significant films.

This partnership solidifies the Kinemathek’s role as not just a keeper of the past, but an active participant in the contemporary international film culture that converges on Berlin each February.