Archive for the ‘Theatre’ Category

Lichtblick Kino’ Berlin Mitte/Prenzlauer could well be the smallest movie-theatres in the world.

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

 

Berlin  03-05-2010

Luis Buñuel - whose birthday is celebrated each year at LICHTBLIK KINO

 [photo from Wikipedia]

 The ‘Lichtblick Kino’ at Kastanienallee 77, in Berlin Mitte/Prenzlauer could well be one of the smallest active movie-theatres in the world.

With its 32 seats and ‘gemütliche’ chairs it could very well be.

Prices are 5 Euro per person with many types of discounts for students, seniors and those on any type of welfare or social assistance.

The movie theatre started in 1994/95 by showing a pot-pouri of avant-garde European film, comics-film art, documentaries often political in nature and ‘Kiezkino’.

‘Kiez’   is a German for a neighbourhood, a district of within a larger city – it is typically Berlin slang. ‘Kino’ means cinema or movie theatre.

With a constant fare of Buñuel, Antonioni and Fellini films, plus other documentaries about social resistance, revolution and anti-fascism the Lichtblick Kino should not be considered your average Movie Theatre!

After various attempts by various planners and land-lords to close the original location down the inhabitants of the building in which it finds itself finally decided to take matters into their own hands to open their own small cinema.

In April 1999 Lichtblick Kino was voted by the readers of the ‘what’s on in  Berlin’ magazine ‘ZITTY’ to the best programmed cinema of the city.

Most popular director is Luis Buñuel who is celebrated each annually on his birthday the 22nd of February, with a film gala and/or Buñuel retrospective.

In spite of its small size the Lichtblick Kino is member of the AG cinema, a German based union of above all special program cinemas.

The washroom is outside the theatre [!]. One most exit the front door and turn immediately left twice to enter the back hof or court-yard to find the WC!

Also sometimes films are not available and the film crew showing the film will ask for a showing of hands to see which of the available films on hand the viewers would like to see instead!

Well worth a visit – it’s a gem and they have many mid-night viewings.

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From the OTA-Berlin Serviced Apartments Buildings about 5 min by foot. Please ask at OTA-Berlin office for directions.

Location- Kastanienallee 77, Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, tel. 44 05 81 79

http://www.lichtblick-kino.org/lichtblick.php

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OTA-Berlin Constituency Blog’ is part of OTA-Berlin – the economical and thrifty  ‘Apartment-Alternative to Hotels’  in Berlin. 

The Blog provides OTA-Berlin guests  a quick overview of the cultural, sports, social and other related activities taking place in Berlin during their stay. 

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Hitler… a laughing matter? – The Producers, Springtime for Hitler

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

With the arrival in Berlin of Mel Brooks adaptation of his successful film, the producers, Frühling für Hitler (Springtime for Hitler) is causing a stir in more ways than one.  Germany never ending, deeply embedded sense of guilt over the actions of Hitler some of their ancestors leaves Berliners apprehensive about whether it’s ok to enjoy a comedy about the Führer, portraying the Hitler in a humorous manner.

However, after eight successful years on stage, Brooks has braved the cynics and premiered the show in Admiral Palast, where it is now booked to run for two months, and they audience, of whom were not exclusively the typical theatre going crowd, gave it very positive reviews.

The plot revolves around a failing Broadway producer who teams up with his reluctant accomplice, his accountant, in an attempt to produce the worst musical ever written. The idea is to raise funds from rich lonely old women, produce a flop which will close after one night, and run away to Rio with the money. Problems arise when the show is an unexpected hit, thanks to the hilariously camp depiction of a singing and dancing Hitler.  …Read more

Author: E. La Crey

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