Alfred Döblin’s novel has been made into film three times – first, by director Piel Jutzi in 1931. In 1970/80, Rainer Werner Fassbinder has shot a series including 13 episodes and an epilogue. Finally, in 2020, director Burhan Qurbani and co-author Martin Behnke set the plot in today’s Berlin. LITFILMS presents all three versions. The screening of the most recent adaptation will be accompanied by Qurbani and Behnke, who will afterwards talk about the history of the work as well as the very different approaches to the novel.
1931, directed by: Piel Jutzi
Franz Biberkopf is released from prison and resolves to lead a better life from now on. Unfortunately, he falls in with Reinhold, who is head of a gang of criminals and uses Franz for his purposes. The socio-critical film portrays Döblin’s Berlin in a stunningly realistic way.
1980, directed by: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Fassbinder’s TV-series tells the story of ex-inmate Franz Biberkopf in 14 episodes (more than 15 hours). Initially, the project received shattering reviews. Today, however, the film is one of the best known works of the director.
2020, directed by: Burhan Qurbani
Free adaptation of Döblin’s novel, set in today’s Berlin: Francis is from Guinea-Bissau and travels illegally from Africa to Europe. During his dangerous trip, he resolves to become a decent person. However, when he arrives in Berlin, he falls in with drug dealer Reinhold who uses Francis for his purposes.
