Class Photo – Memories of German Citizens

Zeughaus Cinema

© Deutsche Kinemathek – Ein Klassenfoto des Lessing-Gymnasiums aus dem Jahr 1933. Die Klasse besteht nur aus Jungen.

A class photo from the Lessing Gymnasium in Berlin’s Wedding district, taken in 1933, serves as the starting point for Eberhard Fechner’s *Klassenphoto*. Decades later, the documentary filmmaker tracks down former students and teachers and has them recount their lives and the political upheavals of their time. In the process, Fechner comes across a Jewish classmate who is missing from the photo and visits him in New York. Through conversations and personal mementos, a poignant portrait of a generation emerges. Fechner received the Silver Adolf Grimme Prize for the film, which aired in 1972.

West Germany (NDR) 1969, Director and Screenplay: Eberhard Fechner, Digital SD, German with German subtitles, two parts: 83 min and 95 min
Introduction: Jan Gympel (film and television historian)

This event is a collaboration with the German Historical Museum and will also take place there at the Zeughauskino (not at the Deutsche Kinemathek).Translated with DeepL

Next date:

• Date Saturday, 10/October/2026 19:00
• Venue Deutsche Kinemathek
• Address Mauerstraße 79, 10117 Berlin-Kreisfreie Stadt Berlin