Werner Schroeter

Director

Werner Schroeter was born on April 7, 1945, in Georgenthal and is one of the most influential directors of German auteur cinema. His career began in the late 1960s, characterized by avant-garde imagery and a strong connection between film, theater, and opera. He gained international attention with PALERMO OR WOLFSBURG from 1980, which he directed himself. The film was shown at the Berlinale and awarded the Golden Bear, cementing his reputation as an outstanding voice of New German Cinema. Schroeter's later works include DIESE NACHT (THIS NIGHT) from 2008, also directed by him, which was presented in competition at the Venice Film Festival. The film is considered one of his important late projects and once again showcases his characteristic blend of emotional intensity and stylistic freedom. Other influential works in his oeuvre include Malina from 1991, which he directed and which was awarded the German Film Prize in Gold, and Tag der Idioten (Day of the Idiots) from 1981, which also received a Filmband in Gold. These titles mark central stages in a career that was characterized by an uncompromising artistic attitude, courageous subject matter, and a close connection to European film culture. Werner Schroeter received numerous international awards during his career, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival. His films and productions continue to shape the understanding of a radically personal and aesthetically independent cinema to this day.

Films on Sooner

Palermo or Wolfsburg

1980

170 mins

Drama

A young Sicilian follows the call of work to Germany. But what begins as a dream ends in coldness, violence, and disappointment.

This Night

2009

118 mins

Drama

A night spent searching for a truth that constantly eludes us – the last film by Werner Schroeter.