In recognition of the seven decades of activity of German Films, an organization dedicated to promoting German cinema around the world, the 52nd Gramado Film Festival will feature a special screening of the feature film Sons of Bach. The film is a Brazil and Germany co-production, directed by Ansgar Ahlers and with names such as Aldri Anunciação, Dhonata Augusto and Marília Gabriela in the cast. The exhibition will take place on August 15th, after the handover of the Crystal Kikito to Mariëtte Rissenbeek.
German Films has been a fundamental pillar of the country’s film industry since its inception. Established in 1954 as the export and marketing arm of German cinema, it plays a crucial role in highlighting the diversity and creativity of German filmmakers on the global stage.
Founded in the post-World War II period, it initially focused on rebuilding the reputation of German cinema, damaged due to its association with Nazi propaganda during the war. The organization aimed to foster international collaboration and distribution of German films, highlighting the cultural richness and artistic competence of the country’s filmmakers.
He was instrumental in promoting landmark films, which received international acclaim and showcased German cinematic expertise in both narrative and technique, such as Wolfgang Petersen’s The Boat: Hell at Sea (1981), which depicts the harrowing experiences of a submarine crew German during World War II.
In recent decades, it has continued to promote a wide range of cinematic voices. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others (2006), which explores surveillance and personal freedom in East Germany, won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, highlighting the organization’s success in promoting German cinema on the global stage.
Today, German Films remains committed to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their careers. Provides funding, networking opportunities and promotional support to ensure German cinema continues to thrive in a competitive international market. The organization actively participates in important film festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale and Toronto, where it presents the latest productions by German filmmakers.
Ministério da Cultura, Secretaria do Estado da Cultura e Petrobras / Programa Petrobras Cultural apresentam: 52° Festival de Cinema de Gramado. Lei de incentivo à cultura. Patrocínio: Claro e Banrisul Corretora de Seguros. Copatrocínio: EBC/TV Brasil, Youtube e Cerveza Patagônia. Apoio especial: Schweppes. Apoio: TeleCine, Kia Brasil, Hasam Group, Globo Filmes, Faixa Azul, Stemac Grupos Geradores, Bodega Dante Robino, O2 e Naymovie. Hospedagem oficial: Laghetto. Transmissão ao vivo: Canal Brasil. Mídia Partner: SBT. Apoio institucional: Fundacine RS, APTC RS, SIAV RS, Assembléia Legislativa, TVE RS e Museu do Festival de Cinema de Gramado. Agente cultural: AM Produções. Promoção: Prefeitura Municipal de Gramado. Financiamento: IECINE, Pró-Cultura, Governo do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Realização: GramadoTur, Ancine – agência nacional de cinema, Ministério da Cultura, Governo Federal – Brasil, União e Reconstrução.
