Best of Cinema is a curated screening series from the minds behind StudioCanal production company, aiming to ensure that all Berliners get their fair share of vintage cinema. Over the years they’ve been responsible for screenings of classics such as Mulholland Drive, Reservoir Dogs, Donnie Darko and Cruel Intentions. The series can be found at kinos across the city this summer; make sure to sit back and enjoy Point Break and Thelma & Louise, two sun-drenched thrill rides. The programme’s Senior Publicity Manager, Sarah Klement, and Senior Product Manager Edda Rosenfeld discuss this summer’s lineup and their favourite aspects of Berlin cinema culture.
First, congratulations on another stellar season of programming! Could you give our readers a little background about the programme and what it provides audiences?
Sarah Klement/Edda Rosenfeld: Best of Cinema was started during the pandemic as a joint initiative with cinemas, who were looking for content while there were not a lot of new releases. As we are putting a lot of effort into bringing classics and must-sees back to the big screens, this seemed like a great opportunity. And now there is a fixed slot each month for audiences to experience some restored cult classics, which is a great achievement for Germany!
Our goal is to bring them back to where they started, even if it is just for one day.
What are you looking for when you curate the series?
SK/ER: We are all big fans of cinema, we love movies and have loads of unforgettable moments in theatres. And there are so many films that you [want] to see on a big screen (and not on a TV). Our goal is to bring them back to where they started, even if it is just for one day – give people a chance to experience some cinematic masterpiece in a movie theatre.
Any themes for this summer’s slate?
SK: Really looking forward to Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break, newly restored in 4K. The restoration has already been released in the US and got some stellar reviews, so I’m very excited to see this 90s classic shine again. In addition: young Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze on surfboards – who wouldn’t look forward to this?
ER: I’m particularly looking forward to [Charlie] Chaplin’s The Great Dictator. The oldest film in the Best of Cinema series, and a true classic. It’s a piece of film history, produced over 80 years ago and yet more relevant than ever. Especially in view of the US elections, which – what a coincidence – take place on the same day as the cinema event.
What are your fondest cinematic memories of Berlin?
SK: Being so lucky to work at StudioCanal and especially within the catalogue team, and handling some of the – in my humble opinion – greatest movies and talents of all time. Experiencing the 4K premiere of Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire at Kino International during the 2017 Berlinale with Wenders and even Nick Cave in attendance would be one of my all-time highlights.
What do you find unique about this city when it comes to cinema?
ER: The diversity of theatres, screens and possibilities to experience a movie is tremendous and something we very much appreciate. There is a cinema for everyone and every occasion – blockbusters, original language screenings, film classics. With our head office based in Paris and close relations to the StudioCanal team in London, we sometimes admire the versatility of the cinematic landscape in those territories, but Berlin is very much on par here.
What’s your favourite spot to watch a film in Berlin?
SK: No easy answer to this one … I do love a cosy open-air screening at Volkspark Friedrichshain, climbing up all those stairs for an arthouse movie night at Hackesche Höfe Kino or sitting back in Zoo [Palast] 1 to just enjoy the huge screen and comforts.
ER: One of my favourite cinemas is Neues Off in Neukölln, not only because it’s very close to where I live, but also because for me it is one of the most beautiful retro-style cinemas in Berlin. And where else are the toilets located basically inside the screening room? You’ll miss as little of the movie as possible!
Lastly, what are you looking forward in cinema this year – maybe a release or event?
ER: I’m really looking forward to The Outrun with Saoirse Ronan, the new film by Nora Fingscheidt – I very much liked her Systemsprenger (“System Crasher”), which was shown at this year’s Berlinale. It’s based on the powerful memoir by Amy Liptrot and comes with a great soundtrack, which fits Berlin perfectly with its techno vibes.
- The Best of Cinema series will be screening across kinos in Berlin all summer, details.
