The Goethe Institut London has organised a fantastic exhibition and series of accompanying events to mark the centennary of Franz Kafka’s death. Founding members of the German Screen Studies Network Helen Hughes and Martin Brady will be among those participating, introducing screenings of Hanns Zischler’s Kafka goes to the Movies and Straub-Huillet’s Class Relations!
FACETS OF KAFKA
Marking the Centenary of the Death of Franz Kafka
Until 9 December 2024
An invitation to explore different facets of the author’s work, life and passions through film, drawing, and poetry.
Friday, 15 November, 7PM, Goethe-Institut London
| KAFKA + FILM | HANNS ZISCHLER: KAFKA GOES TO THE MOIVES + INTRO
Hanns Zischler’s humerous essay film about Kafka’s fascination with cinema is not only a portrait of Kafkaand his time through the lens of cinema, but also a tribute to the early days of the medium itself. We are showing the film together with three of the early silent films mentioned by Kafka. The film will be introduced by Helen Hughes.
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Tuesday, 19 November, 7PM, Goethe-Institut London
| KAFKA + FILM | DANIÉLE HUILLET & JEAN-MARIE STRAUB: CLASS RELATIONS + INTRO
Danièle Huillet and Jean-Marie Straub’s carefully composed, concentrated version of Kafka’s The Man Who Disappeared follows the misadventures of an inexperienced young immigrant in a harsh and unequal America. With an introduction by Martin Brady.
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Monday, 25 November, 7PM, Goethe-Institut London
| KAFKA + FILM | OTTOMAR DOMNICK: JONAS + INTRO
Ottomar Domnick’s experimental bravura piece turns the increasing alienation and paranoia of a man in the urban reality of West Germany’s post war economic miracle into a profoundly Kafkaesque experience. We are showing a 35mm film print with soft-titles and an introduction by Martin Brady.
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Wednesday, 27 November, 7PM, Goethe-Institut London
| KAFKA + FILM | JUDITH KAUFMANN & GREGOR MAAS: THE GLORY OF LIFE
Based on Michael Kumpfmüller acclaimed novel, this portrait of Kafka’s relationship with Dora Diamant in the year before his death shows the author in an unusually refreshing light.
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Tuesday, 3 December, 7PM, Goethe-Institut London
POETRY AFTER KAFKA
Contemporary poets Moniza Alvi, Gale Burns and David Constantine present their own work, read an excerpt from Kafka and discuss his influence on writing and poetry. With an introduction by and the participation of Professor Carolin Duttlinger, and chaired by Dr Ian Ellison
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Until Monday 9 December, Goethe-Institut Library
KOMPLETT KAFKA
Based on Nicolas Mahler’s eponymous comic biography, this poster exhibition of drawings presents Kafka’s life in an inimitably witty and pointed manner and in a style that is not dissimilar to author’s own minimalist drawing style.
Goethe-Institut London
50 Princes Gate
Exhibition Road
London SW7 2PH
T +44 20 75964000
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