15th Berlin & Beyond Film Festival October 22, 2010

Berlin & Beyond Film Festival, a presentation of the Goethe-Institut San Francisco, has been America's premier festival of new cinema from Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 1996. The festival has been serving as a gateway for the American public to experience the diversity, history and progression of the German-speaking countries in Europe. In the last 14 years, over 500 films have been presented to 100,000+ people, along with the memorable presence of hundreds of guest artists.

For our 15th Anniversary, join us on a magical and spirited adventure with 24 captivating feature films from seasoned masters and up-and-coming innovators, and six short films from bright new talents. A sensational roster of artists and luminaries - including Michael Verhoeven, Benjamin Heisenberg, Feo Aladag, Florian David Fitz, and Donna Woolfolk Cross - will be joining us live onstage.

Film highlights include: Opening Night with the adventurous Vincent Wants to Sea, of a young man dealing with Tourette Syndrome hitting the road; Our Centerpiece, When We Leave, a story of a battered wife who fights for an independent and self-determined life against the resistance of her family; the epic Pope Joan, about the legendary woman who wrestled with faith, love, and women’s role in society; Autumn Gold, a documentary about athletes between 80 and 100 years old in their extraordinary race against time; Germany’s first RealD 3D animated feature, Animals United 3D - a wild feast for the senses; Closing Night with Julia’s Disappearance, a witty comedy from Switzerland about age, youth and other eternal truths; war drama Draft Dodgers - our first-ever Luxembourg special; and two thrilling films - Pianomania and The Robber - celebrating Austria’s National Day on October 26th.

http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/saf/prj/bby/enindex.htm