Film screening
Alice in the Cities, directed by Wim Wenders

German Cinema in Focus - Director's Special

Sat, 23.11.2024
4:30 PM Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore

We invite you to Alice in the Cities, directed by Wim Wenders, in our ongoing film series German Cinema in Focus, where we are currently showing a selection of films by Wim Wenders.

Alice in the Cities follows Philip Winter, a disillusioned German journalist travelling in the United States. He is attempting to write a story but finds himself with a case of writer’s block, unable to capture America through his camera or his words. In a twist, Philip becomes the reluctant guardian of a 9-year-old girl named Alice after her mother leaves her behind unexpectedly at an airport. Their journey across Germany in search of Alice’s grandmother becomes one of discovery, where they navigate unfamiliar landscapes, each other's company, and the emotional struggles of loneliness and connection. Through their travels, Philip begins to rediscover a sense of purpose, and Alice finds a temporary yet meaningful companionship.

Considered as one of the earliest films in the road movie genre and a classic of the New German Cinema, the film is a reflective, minimalist exploration of themes like isolation, the search for identity, and the way strangers can become family. The film’s black-and-white cinematography beautifully captures both the vast, empty landscapes and the small, intimate moments between its two protagonists.

Alice in the Cities
by Wim Wenders
1974 | 110 min. | b & w | German with English subtitles

Wim Wenders is a renowned German filmmaker, playwright, author, and photographer, known for his influential work in contemporary cinema. Born on August 14, 1945, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Wenders initially studied medicine and philosophy before switching to film at the University of Television and Film Munich.

Wenders is a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement of the 1970s. His early films, such as "Alice in the Cities" (1974) and "Kings of the Road" (1976), are noted for their meditative, road-movie style and exploration of existential themes. He gained international acclaim with films like "Paris, Texas" (1984), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and "Wings of Desire" (1987). Wenders has also made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking, with works like "Buena Vista Social Club" (1999), “The Salt of theEarth” (2014), and “Tokyo-Ga” (1985).

Wenders' work is characterised by its emphasis on visual storytelling, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. His contributions to both narrative and documentary film have earned him numerous awards and a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.

Entry free! All are welcome. Stay on for the post-screening discussion.