MOVIE REVIEW
Subject: Filmmaking
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Jörg Adolph, Edgar Reitz
Language: German, English with English subtitles
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 74th Berlinale | Berlin International Film Festival (2024)

RAVING REVIEW: From a visual standpoint, if you’ve seen the 1968 documentary HIGH SCHOOL, you’ll feel right at home watching SUBJECT: FILMMAKING. This compelling documentary charts an audacious experiment in film education led by Edgar Reitz in 1968. This documentary offers an inspiring tale of how a Munich classroom became the breeding ground for a new way of learning about cinema. Fast-forward to an unexpected reunion in 2023, the film reveals the lasting impact of this bold venture on its participants and the broader world of film. From its opening scenes, the documentary captures your imagination with a mix of history, depth, innovation, and the excitement of creating something groundbreaking.

The heart of this film lies in its exploration of an ambitious initiative that sought to blend film aesthetics into the school curriculum, inspired by the visionary Béla Balázs. This transformation of a conventional classroom into a hub of cinematic creativity is documented with care, emphasizing not only the success of the project but also the lasting connections it fostered among those involved. This film proves why I do my best to go into films without knowing anything about them. I love getting to have that experience, the evolution of the movie as I’m watching it.

This documentary shines a spotlight on the collaborative spirit of Reitz alongside luminaries like Alexander Kluge and technologists Thomas Mauch and Dedo Weigert, showing how their combined efforts proved that film could transcend cultural barriers, serving as a universal medium for education and personal expression. It was a space where students actively participated in the filmmaking process, illuminating the unique potential of cinema to enhance traditional learning methods.

The narrative of SUBJECT: FILMMAKING candidly addresses Reitz's challenges in integrating film education more broadly, juxtaposing his pioneering work in 1968 with the ongoing debate around film's place in educational systems today. These reflections are not just historical footnotes; they are a rallying cry for the future of film education, underscoring the need to foster critical thinking and creativity in learners through film. This film keeps you thinking from its first frame; even before I knew what I was watching, I was enamored by the experience.

What truly distinguishes this documentary is its dynamic blend of history, practical insights, and visionary aspirations, presenting a compelling case for the role of film in education. It's an invitation to viewers from all walks of life to consider the transformative potential of cinema beyond entertainment—to see it as a tool for enlightenment, creativity, and engagement.

SUBJECT: FILMMAKING is a moving tribute to the team's forward-thinking approach to film education. It bridges the gap between generations, disciplines, and cultures, offering a stirring narrative of innovation, challenge, and hope. This documentary is more than a look back at history; it's an inspiration, encouraging us all to recognize and embrace the educational power of cinema. Its engaging storytelling and profound insights remind us that film is a pivotal medium for learning, capable of impacting society and individuals.

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[photo courtesy of IF... PRODUCTIONS]

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