Genre-blending Film Sanctuary at Volksbühne's VIDEOTHEK in Berlin
Tucked away in the heart of Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz lies a unique gem: an old rehearsal room transformed into a cinema-cum-film-library, boasting a vast archive of thousands of VHS tapes. This isn't your ordinary film space; it's the VIDEOTHEK, a space that kicked off an eclectic series of events for Berlin cinephiles in December 2023.
The venue carries on the Volksbühne's legacy of producing genre-bending and politically intriguing events, pushing the limits of film screenings while blending lectures, live music, and food into the cinematic experience. Hans Broich, a filmmaker, and Leonie Jenning, a dramaturg, oversee the programme, combining their creative visions to create a lineup that sits at the intersection of theatre and film.
When asked about their views on the VIDEOTHEK, Hans Broich emphasized, "I'm more interested in the theatre as a working place rather than just watching the end product. For me, theatre is a space for collaboration and creation, not just consumption. What's special about this place is that it's not a traditional cinema; it's a stage where people work with film."
Leonie Jenning added, "The VIDEOTHEK reminds me a bit of a youth theatre – it’s all about freedom and informality. We invite people who share our common values and interests, creating a personal experience for the audience and us."
The incorporation of experimental films, videos from YouTube, live music, and performance art makes every event at the VIDEOTHEK an unforgettable experience, like stepping into a living room where you can catch up on the latest VHS tastings while sipping a drink or sharing a laugh with fellow cinephiles on the balcony.
In an interview with our website, Hans Broich and Leonie Jenning shared their plans for the future of the VIDEOTHEK. One upcoming series, 'Scripted Reality', blends film discoveries from the internet with experimental film classics, providing an evening of unique insights and thought-provoking discussions. 'Videoclub' offers a more interactive experience, where an actor virtually destroys the VIDEOTHEK through music and performance art, engaging with the films in a captivating way that challenges traditional film-viewing norms.
Other series in the pipeline include 'Sex Show XXL', which features Ann Gébel's favorite movies and personal reflections, and 'KONTAKT', a digital ritual aimed at connecting with transcendental spirits through film. The VIDEOTHEK is also set to collaborate with classical film critics like the Revü film magazine and biologist Cord Riechelmann, who will deliver lectures on animals in films.
Hans Broich and Leonie Jenning are always on the lookout for fresh, playful, and engaging films that captivate audiences and expand their horizons. Whether it's West African mainstream films, experimental cinema, or pop culture classics, the VIDEOTHEK offers a diverse and ever-evolving selection of films for all tastes.
While the exact lineup for the upcoming year is yet to be announced, the VIDEOTHEK promises to continue pushing boundaries and providing memorable, immersive, and unconventional film experiences. So, cinephiles, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey at the VIDEOTHEK.
For more information, visit the official website of the Volksbühne.
Enrichment Data:- Volksbühne Festspiele: On June 25, 2025, at 21:00, the VIDEOTHEK will host a film screening and theater film event titled "Jugend ohne Film zeigt Theaterfilme #2: Opening Night". For more information on upcoming events at the VIDEOTHEK, check their official website or contact them directly.
Technology plays a significant role in the unique cinematic experiences offered at the VIDEOTHEK, with the incorporation of experimental films, videos from YouTube, and digital rituals aimed at connecting with transcendental spirits through film.
The lineup at the VIDEOTHEK, overseen by Hans Broich and Leonie Jenning, blends entertainment and lifestyle by offering diverse series such as 'Scripted Reality', 'Videoclub', 'Sex Show XXL', and 'KONTAKT', which feature a mix of film discoveries from the internet, classical film classics, and collaborations with renowned figures like the Revü film magazine and biologist Cord Riechelmann.
