Africa is hip. For several years now, a veritable hype has erupted in cinemas, in museums, in fashion and in music. The global north is in the process of renegotiation its relationship with Africa, and is intoxicated by the continent’s aesthetics. Not for the first time. Again and again over the past decades, Africa has served as a source of inspiration for the West, and as a projection surface, an object of appropriation but also of delineation. The documentary is taking the African renaissance as an opportunity to describe the major developments in African pop culture and their effect on the West, assisted by important stars and contemporary witnesses. Including music by: Miriam Makeba, E.T. Mensah, Joseph Kabasele, Papa Wemba, Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, James Brown, Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti, Ray Lema, Sista Fa, Salif Keita, Cheb Khaled, Majid Bekkas, Mafikizolo, Youssou N´Dour, Peter Gabriel, Positive Black Soul, Spoek Mathambo, Maître Gims, Wizkid, MHD, Yonii, DJ Black Coffee, Distruction Boyz
Mythos Carmen
What do the great characters in the history of opera have to do with our own lives? “Mythos Carmen”: modern re-enactments place the respective operatic character squarely in the middle of our present times. Individual chapters examine the key issues of the character, which are spread out in the form of a kaleidoscope. International stars of opera, singers, conductors and directors explain what continues to fascinate us about the characters to this day. They explain their own take on the various heroes and describe what makes the operatic characters mythological. In doing so, they provide a distinctive, new and fresh perspective on the great works of music. The film is augmented by footage shot behind the scenes, at the places where the operas were written, and with a répétiteur, allowing the film to move through our present times emotionally guided by the opera.
PopScandals
PopScandals is a two part journey in time through the juiciest, dirtiest and hottest pop scandals of the last 60 years! Whether naked truths, jarring stage performances or accidental slip ups, PopScandals shows what shocked respectable citizens and the conservative establishment and left the youth rejoicing. From the stuffiness of the 50s when a pelvic thrust or flash of a breast was enough to stir up a storm, to the age of social media, where staged scandals have become an integral part of pop culture. Using the big stars as an example, PopScandals tells of what was needed at which point in time to create a legendary scandal, or to avoid one. PopScandals makes it noticeable and possible to experience the technological development and commercialization of the “scandal machine” the media have created, having become a scandal in itself.
Welcome to the Eigthies!
Welcome to the 80s – This 6 x 52min music documentary is a unique production showing a fascinating musical journey through the 80s featuring all the facets of this exciting area: Synthiepop & New Romantic, Charts, Clips & Commerce, Rap, Breakdance & Graffiti, House Nation & Acid Parties, Gothic, Industrial & Black Metal.
Eras of Music History
Bold in conception, popular in format, gripping in its presentation – “Eras of Music History” makes the soundtrack to European history come alive – immediate and easily comprehensible for young viewers, classical newcomers and experts. In the series “Eras of Music History” music becomes something palpable – sounds you can touch and feel. Graphic novels, historical scenes, jam sessions and commentaries by classical stars, footnotes from political figures, philosophers and cultural scholars – all these are woven together with video and audio documents of the history of great performances. (4 part series: Baroque, Romantic, Viennese Classicism, 20th Century – 4×90’ or 8×45’)
Mythos Ot(h)ello
Ot(h)ello – the most famous black theatrical hero, a reflection of 4 centuries of racism on stage. What role did black people play in the world of Shakespeare and Verdi? What influence did the colonial period have on the genesis of the play and the opera? How did the ideas of “white people” about “black people” influence their interpretation? Jonas Kaufmann and Antonio Pappano, as well as the legendary football player Jimmy Hartwig, explore the “Mythos of Ot(h)ello”.
Three Tenors – From Caracalla to the World
It was the most successful classical concert: 30 years ago, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and José Carreras performed together with Zubin Mehta for the first time as „3 Tenors“ in the thermal baths of Caracalla on the occasion of the Football World Cup in Italy. 1.6 billion spectators watched the concert worldwide – and it catapulted classical music into a completely new dimension. Just in time for the 30th anniversary, the film „Three Tenors – From Caracalla to the World“ shows the emotional highlights of the first concert and the sequel in Los Angeles. Previously unpublished backstage material shows the tenors unadorned and offers a fascinating insight into what takes place beyond the spotlight. The film takes a completely new look at the concert legend. For the first time, Placido Domingo, José Carreras, conductor Zubin Mehta and Luciano Pavarotti‘s widow Nicoletta Mantovani talk about José Carreras‘ struggles with leukemia, their rivalries and friendships, their spectacular contract poker and life as an opera star.
Welcome to the Nineties!
“Welcome to the 90s”! In four thrilling episodes, the documentary series takes the audience on a journey through the most colorful decade ever. It puts us into the midst of the vibrant dance culture, tells us from the golden age of rap music, raves about the huge Boy and Girl band wave and reminds us of the new blossoms of Rock. Episodes: Dance Culture / Come as you are: Grunge, Riot Grrrl, Britpop, Nu Metal / Hip-Hop / Dance Culture