Friday 22/12 – Tangerine
A working girl tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart

This comedy-drama follows Sin-Dee and Alexandra around Los Angeles as they embark on a mission to get to the bottom of a scandalous rumour. A hit at Sundance for its real portrayal of trans street culture and for the fact that the two principal trans characters are played by trans actors. The entire film was shot on three iPhones – meaning that filming permits were not required and therefore parts of LA not usually seen on film are portrayed in saturated clarity.

Recommended by Judith * 2015 * Runtime 88 minutes (+ short) * Rated R – Not for kids * English with German subtitles

 

Saturday 23/12 – Short film festival presented by Behind The Tree
A collection of short films chosen for us by Nico from Behind The Tree.

Behind The Tree is an alternative streaming platform based here in Berlin. Tonight we’ll show six short films from the service. There’ll be political intrigue, stunning footage, some funny tales and stories about family.

Selected by Nico * Total runtime 86 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * 3 German language films, 3 in English with subtitles

 

Sunday 24/12 – Chihiros Reise ins Zauberland (Spirited Away)
A dazzling, enchanting and gorgeously drawn anime classic which will leave viewers a little more curious and fascinated by the world.

Hayao Miyazaki’s enthralling film follows the terrifying adventures of a young girl named Chihiro. Travelling to her new home with her parents, they take a wrong turn and unknowingly enter the spirit world. Spirited Away won the Oscar for best-animated film in 2003 and is often cited as one of the best films of the 21st century so far.

Recommended by Azar * 2001 * Runtime 125 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * German audio

 

Monday 25/12 – Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton’s beautiful, sad, funny fairytale.

Jonny Depp is cast perfectly as an artificial boy named Edward, an unfinished creation who has scissor blades instead of hands. Edward is brought into a surrealistically funny cul-de-sac world by Avon lady, Peg. But of course, life is not so easy for him in this new reality!
A gorgeous, gothic and sweet film. 1990 Winona is wonderful and the ice angel scene is still amazing after all these years!

Recommended by Ute * 1990 * Runtime 105 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * English with German subtitles

 

Tuesday 26/12 – It’s a Wonderful Life
An angel called Clarence Odbody is sent from heaven to help a suicidal man.

George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas eve! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashbacks. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years.
A heartwarming tale and a fixture of Christmas viewing.

Recommended by Luka * 1946 * Runtime 130 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * English with German subtitles

 

Wednesday 27/12 – Only Lovers Left Alive
Jim Jarmusch’s vampire love story

Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover. In true Jarnuschian fashion, the few things that do happen, happen very slowly, but the film never lags due to the gloomily amusing dialogue – delivered masterfully by Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston.

Recommended by Justina * 2013 * Runtime 123 minutes (+ short) * Rated R – Not for kids * English with German subtitles

 

Thursday 28/12 – Life of Fish
A Chilean drama about life, love and the choices we make.

After ten years in Berlin, travel writer Andrés returns to his hometown of Santiago de Chile. On his last evening, he celebrates the birthday of an old friend and catches up with many he hasn’t seen in years. As the night goes on, we realize that a tragedy binds this group – an event that was also the impetus for Andrés’ departure from Chile years ago. Moreover, there is someone at the party he goes to great lengths to avoid – but she is the very person he most needs to see.

Recommended by Nico * 2010 * Runtime 84 minutes (+short) * Rated PGR for kids over 13 * Spanish with English subtitles

 

Friday 29/12 – Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The charmingly offbeat and very funny tale of a juvenile delinquent and an illiterate ex-con who decide to disappear into the New Zealand bush together

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, the defiant city kid gets a fresh start in the countryside with foster family Aunt Bella, Uncle Hec and Tupac the dog. When tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another foster home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family.

Recommended by Zoe * 2016 * Runtime 101 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * English with German subtitles

 

Saturday 30/12 – The Intouchables
An uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility.

A story of friendship between a handicapped millionaire and his street-smart ex-con caretaker, The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humour between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

Recommended by Adam P, Paula and Johannes * 2011 * Runtime 112 minutes (+ short) * Rated M – for mature audiences over 15 * French with English subtitles

 

Sunday 31/12 – Some Like it Hot
Marilyn Monroe in one of the enduring treasures of the movies – a meticulously made and very funny film.

When two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but of course, complications ensue. A spry and quick-witted farce often named one of the best comedies of all time.

Recommended by Andy and Paula * 1959 * Runtime 121 minutes (+ short) * Rated PGR – Parental guidance recommended * English with German subtitles

And, below is a photo of our hotel in the 1920s when it was a cinema and you could buy a leather jacket next door.