15.-25.9.2022

Motiv aus Die Suffragette, R: Urban Gad, D 1913 © Filmmuseum Potsdam; Gestaltung: süsses + saures | Rafael von Versen

Opening night on Thu., 15.9., open doors 6:45pm.

Film Museum Potsdam kicks off the fall season with a extensive retrospective on the first film star Asta Nielsen – with live music and introductions!

6:45 pm Reception in the foyer with free drinks.
7:15 pm Opening in the cinema

Alles auf Anfang

The Abyss, R: Urban Gad
D: Asta Nielsen, Poul Reumert, Robert Dinesen.
DK 1910, English ZT, 35′.

Towards the Light, R: Holger-Madsen.
D: Asta Nielsen, Augusta Blad, Frederik Jacobsen.
DK 1919, Danish ZT, English UT, 62′.

The series begins with a double feature that is a testament to Asta Nielsen’s brilliant acting, the self-determination of her roles, and her unmatched sense of the potential of the fledgling medium of film. In the melodrama The Abyss, Asta Nielsen’s torn figure stands between two men and different social milieus. Her erotic “Gaucho Dance” has become one of the cinematic myths.

In Towards the Light, Asta Nielsen plays a baroness who finds her way to religious life via various romantic detours. Filmmuseum Potsdam presents the world premiere of the newly restored version of the Danish Film Institute.

Live music: Trio Transformer
Greeting: Royal Danish Embassy Berlin
Introduction: Thomas Christensen (Det Danske Filminstitut)

Asta Nielsen was the first international film star, an icon of modernity and had a decisive influence on cinema in its early days. With THE DANCE OF DEATH, the first feature film was shot in Babelsberg in 1912, in front of the camera: Asta Nielsen. 25 May 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of her death. Asta Nielsen’s work in the Babelsberg film studios can be explored today in the collections of the Filmmuseum Potsdam.

Asta Nielsen ABC. Films and Fragments pays tribute to the actress’ comedic, tragic and seductive roles. The variety of themes that still make Asta Nielsen’s films a transgressive experience today are unfolded from a feminist perspective. The retrospective shows analogue and digital versions as well as current restorations from numerous international and national archives.

Introductions and live music as well as films online accompany the programme. The exhibition format “The Special Object” in the foyer of the Filmmuseum will also be dedicated to the artist.

Please refer to the Filmmuseum Potsdam’s programme or the programme flyer (PDF) for performance dates. Tickets: 6 EUR, reduced 5 EUR, festival pass: 20 EUR. For reservations: 0331-2718112, . On the website of the Filmmuseum you will find more information about the retrospective (in German).

Asta Nielsen ABC. Films and Fragments is curated by Johanne Hoppe and Elena Baumeister (Interview at Stummfilm-Magazin in German)

An event of Filmmuseum Potsdam with the kind support of ZeM – Brandenburg Centre for Media Studies and Stiftung Kulturwerk der VG Bild-Kunst. With special thanks to Det Danske Filminstitut and The Royal Danish Embassy Berlin