German 159. 100 Years of Queer German Cinema

Instructor

Dymek

Date/Time

W 12:00 - 2:45 pm

German Queer cinema played a pivotal role in the emergence of LGBTQ+ representation on celluloid. We’ll delve into the groundbreaking contributions of German filmmakers, exemplified by productions like Richard Oswald’s seminal work, “Different From the Others,” a revolutionary silent melodrama that boldly challenged the oppressive laws of Paragraph 175, which criminalized homosexuality during the Weimar Republic era.

Throughout the past century, German cinema has continued to blaze trails, offering a diverse array of films exploring the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. In this course, we will delve into the socio-historical underpinnings surrounding these cinematic landmarks, concurrently engaging in a nuanced analysis of the cinematic language employed to articulate Queer narratives. We will integrate theoretical, documentary, and poetic readings spanning Queer culture, European history, and film theory.

Our course will be complemented by a series of film screenings at the renowned Brattle Cinema, featuring a curated selection of eight German Queer films.