NYFA and Carnegie Hall have again partnered for a series of screenings and performances for Spring 2024. Following the theme of “Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice,” the programming will include three free events held at New York Film Academy’s campus in Battery Park. The partnership follows a previous collaboration between NYFA and Carnegie Hall, “Afrofuturism in Cinema: Infinity, Creativity and Beyond.”

“Now more than ever, a historical look back in time serves to inform our present and future,” says NYFA New York Producing Chair Neal Weisman. “The various cultural impulses of the Weimar Republic stand as stark reminders of how art influences society and vice versa. We at the New York Film Academy are proud to add a cinematic expression and join, once again, our colleagues at Carnegie Hall and the multitude of partners in the citywide exploration that is the “Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice.”

Fall of the Weimar Republic: An Era in Film and Performance

Germany’s Weimar Republic (1919-1933), established in Germany after World War I, was a time of struggle for a country recovering from conflict. Despite these challenges, artists thrived, expressing their thoughts, ideas, and commentary through film, music, and theatre. The cultural renaissance inspired the rise of innovative filmmakers, artists, and performers such as Fritz Lang, George Grosz, Hannah Höch, Bertolt Brecht, and F.W. Murnau.

Popular films such as Babylon Berlin (2017) and Cabaret (1972) are based on this era, depicting the Golden Twenties and the various political and social changes occurring in post-war Germany. 

New York Film Academy is honored to present three events reflecting this period. These events form part of Carnegie Hall’s Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice festival.

Screening of Fritz Lang’s M

Fritz Lang’s M, starring Peter Lorre, is a 1931 horror/thriller that set the stage for films to come. The film follows a serial killer, Hans Beckert (Lorre), trying to evade justice. With crimes so heinous, both the authorities and other criminals are hot on his trail, spinning him into a frenzied attempt to escape. The film is known for its gripping story and stunning cinematography, the movie is considered one of the greatest of all time. It is a part of The Criterion Collection, and many see it as the “blueprint” for serial killer movies. 

Legendary film Director Fritz Lang is known for both silent and “talkie” films including Metropolis, The Treatment of Dr. Mabuse, Scarlet Street, Dr. Mabuse, The Gambler, and Die Nibelungen: Kriemhild’s Revenge. 

The screening at NYFA New York will be held on March 25^th at 7 PM. Image via IMDB.

Screening of Walther Ruttman’s Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis

The silent film Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis captures the essence of the city, inviting audiences to spend a day in Berlin during the 1920s. The film serves as an important time capsule, as many of the buildings shown in the film were destroyed during WWII. The film starts in the morning and progresses into the evening, giving audiences a picture of what it was like to live during that era. While the film doesn’t follow a singular protagonist, it excels in illustrating Berlin as the main character. 

Walther Ruttman (also known as Walter Ruttman), was also a writer and cinematographer that worked on films such as Metropolis and Acciaio. The screening of the film will take place on Monday, April 1st at 7 PM. Image via From the Front Row.

Berlin in the Battery: Dancing on the Edge – A NYFA Musical Theater Department Presentation 

From the avant-garde experimentation of expressionist dance to the vibrant cabaret scene, dance became an essential medium during the 1920s and early 1930s. Performers pushed the boundaries of traditional dance, reflecting the era’s embrace of modernity and the search for new forms of artistic exploration.

During our Berlin in the Battery: Dancing on the Edge event, the gifted performers from New York Film Academy’s Musical Theatre program, along with esteemed faculty and recent alumni, celebrate the musical legacy of the Weimar Republic while embracing the vibrant creativity of today’s up-and-coming artists. This live performance will take place on Saturday, April 6th at 7 PM.

Exploring the Art of the Weimar Republic

In addition to events at NYFA, Carnegie Hall will be hosting additional performances, talks, and exhibitions across New York City. A few events during Carnegie Hall’s Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice festival include:

• Meow Meow: Sequins and Satire, Divas and Disruptors: The Wild Women of the Weimar Republic at Zankel Hall (Carnegie Hall)
• The New Series: The Mad King at the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater (The Julliard School)
• Swinging on the Precipice at Fotografiska New York
• Weimar Germany: Politics, Culture, and Catastrophe (Online Event, Presented by Presented by Brooklyn Institute for Social Research)

For more information regarding these events, visit the Carnegie Hall website.

Stay Tuned for Special Events at NYFA

At NYFA, students get an immersive experience in the art and craft of filmmaking. From exclusive screenings to industry panel discussions featuring renowned filmmakers, NYFA students are afforded ample opportunities to expand their creativity, hone their skills, and learn from industry professionals. 

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