KINO | The German Film Magazine - 24.10.2009

A woman in the Vatican: Johanna Wokalek in the monumental film version of the bestseller,Pope Joan .

And about passion and heartache: the story of 5 turbulent relationships in the comedy,Men in the City .The female pontiff Adapting the Bestseller POPE JOANPOPE JOAN is the German cinema highlight of the Fall. Its an adaptation of the bestseller of the same name by Donna Woolfolk Cross. The story history or legend depending on if you ask the author or the Vatican follows a woman who disguises herself as a man and rises to the highest post in the Catholic church. In the year 853 she is anointed Pope. She is played by actress Johanna Wokalek in her first big international production.MILESTONES Our series on 60 years of German CinemaPart 5: The political cinema of the GDR

Working under state censorship and political repression,East German directors in the 1970s and 80s still managed to produce films critical of the communist regime. They addressed themes,such as youth rebellion,that officially didnt exist in the GDR. Konrad Wolfs SOLO SUNNY (1980) was one of the best. We talk to film journalist Knut Elstermann about the history and legacy of East Germanys political cinema.

MEN IN THE CITY They Fight,They Love,They Go NutsAudiences love romantic comedies. The new film from director Simon Verhoeven takes off where German hits from 1980s and 90s such as Men and Maybe,Maybe Not left off. In MEN IN THE CITY we have five strapping young guns struggling with life,lust and relationships.

SHORTCUTS

A PIECE OF ME A one-night stand turns Jonas into a reluctant father,but forces him to finally take responsibility for his life.

HANGTIME A gripping drama set in Germany's basketball subculture.

SAVIORS IN THE NIGHT An adaptation of Marga Spiegels autobiography,tracing her escape from the Holocaust thanks to the courage of a family of farmers.