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Rosa Luxemburg (PG*) + ScreenTalk with Isabel Stevens and Erica Carter

Margarethe von Trotta Revisisted

Rosa Luxemburg

Margarethe von Trotta's remarkable biopic follows the life of Marxist revolutionary and women's rights activist Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919)

Polish socialist and Marxist Rosa Luxemburg (Barbara Sukowa) works tirelessly in the service of revolution in early 20th century Poland and Germany. While Luxemburg campaigns for her beliefs, she is repeatedly imprisoned as she forms the Spartacist League offering a new vision for Germany.

Through Sukowa, Luxemburg’s character comes alive on screen with depth and complexity.

Initially intended to be directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, von Trotta became obsessed with Luxemburg’s character after his death in 1982.

After researching over 2,500 of Luxemburg’s writings and speeches, she completely rewrote the original script and it shows – the final film feels stunningly authentic, her own vision from beginning to end.

The screening is followed by a discussion with writer and curator Isabel Stevens and film studies professor Erica Carter.

Germany 1986 Dir Margarethe von Trotta 123 mins

* = Locally classified by The City of London Corporation

Please note that Margarethe von Trotta will no longer be able to attend the Barbican to take part in the post-show discussion.

In association with the ICO, courtesy of Studiocanal and screening under the Vintage World Cinema banner. With thanks to the Goethe-Institute London.

‘The Personal is Political – Films by Margarethe von Trotta’ is a touring programme delivered by the ICO with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from The National Lottery. Find out more here.

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