Schedule of Events

January 19, 2024

Wunderschon

(2022)
German with English Subtitles

Director Karoline Herfurth explores the intertwined lives of five women of varying ages who struggle with issues of body image, complex relationships, failing marriages and societal expectations. Frauke in her 50's feels undesirable and ignored by her husband. Her daughter Julie wants to pursue a modelling career and tries desperately to comply with the "Schönheitsideal" of the business. Leyla, the daughter of Julie's manager struggles with weight problems while Sonja, Julie's sister in law, slips into a crisis after two pregnancies. And then there is Vicky, Sonja's best friend and teacher who tries to enlighten her students about the value of character, inner beauty and self-confidence apart from their bodily "Äuβerlichkeiten".

February 16, 2024

Die Glasbläserin

(2016)

This made for television movie is the literary adaptation of the first part of the bestselling trilogy by Petra Durst-Bennings. It is set in Lauscha in the forest of Thuringia in 1891. It tells the story of the two sisters Johanna and Marie Steinmann who try to continue their family owned glass blowing business after the death of their widowed father. They encounter great resistance since women are not allowed to own these type of businesses in this male dominated world. Sexual insults and attacks on both of them test their resilience as they strive to carve out a living with more artistic designs which includes the invention of the Christmas ornament, the "Weihnachtskugel". The two sisters were and are role models for female entrepreneurs everywhere.

March 15, 2024

Das Lehrerzimmer

(2023)
German with German Subtitles

The young Carla Nowak is a new teacher for Math and Physical Education in a grade 7 class at a Gymnasium in Hamburg. After a series of unresolved burglaries, the atmosphere at the school becomes increasingly tense. Carla witnesses how several of her own students become suspects and are being investigated by the school leadership who pursue a zero tolerance policy. After their suspicions cannot be verified, Carla starts her own investigation which leads to the long serving secretary Friederike Kuhn. But Mrs. Kuhn is the mother of her most gifted math students. A complex and complicated pursuit to find the truth ensues amid enraged parents, obstinate teachers and aggressive students.

April 19, 2024

Die Spionin

(2019)
German with English Subtitles

During World War II, Sonja Wigert of Sweden is the biggest film star in Scandinavia and is courted by the Germans for propaganda purposes. When she doesn’t comply with an invitation by Joseph Goebbels her father is kidnapped to put pressure on her. After Sonja agrees to become a spy with the Swedish Secret service. she becomes acquainted with Joseph Terboven, the German High Commissioner of occupied Norway and starts to collect vital information about the German war plans in Scandinavia. But when Terboven sends Sonja as his own spy to Stockholm, she finds herself thrust inadvertently into the dangerous role of a double agent.

May 17, 2024

Einfach mal was Schönes

(2022)
German with English Subtitles

Karoline Herfurth directs, produces and plays the part of the leading female protagonist in this movie. Karla, a radio moderator, is in her late 30’s and desperately wants to start a family yet she cannot find a suitable man. So she decides to do it alone and use a sperm donor to have a baby. But then she meets Ole, a hospital nurse to whom she is strongly attracted. But Ole is only 28 and doesn’t want to have kids yet. With Karla’s biological clock ticking ever louder this romantic comedy oscillates between “Torschlusspanik”, horror dates and a beautiful love story. It includes slapstick comedic moments during a dream wedding and a hospital stay that lead to a thoughtful ending with a creative solution to the interpersonal conflicts.

Date: January 19-May 17, 2024 (Third Friday)

Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Cost: Free

Location:
The German Society of Pennsylvania,
611 Spring Garden Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19123.

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