On November 9, 1989, the Berlin wall fell. On the same day, the DEFA movie “Coming Out” premiered in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The movie tells the story of a young teacher, Philipp, who becomes aware of his homosexuality while his girlfriend Tanja is expecting a child. Philipp falls in love with Matthias and the story takes its course. Thirty years later, the film still offers a nuanced view of the personal and historical struggles surrounding the protagonist’s coming out story while commenting on the social history of homosexuality under Socialism.

Following the screening, we will host a conversation about the film and coming out in times of social change with Andreas Günther, Executive Director of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung—New York Office. The film will be screened in German with English subtitles (produced by DEFA-Studio for motion pictures and directed by Heiner Carow, 113 minutes).

Sunday, November 10, 2019, at 1:30 pm
Anthology Film Archives (East Village)
Maya Deren Theatre
32 Second Avenue (at 2nd street)
New York, NY 10003

Doors open at 1 pm.