In 1927, filmmaker Walter Ruttman created a cinematic document he entitled Berlin: Symphony of a Great City that captured the essence of 1920s Berlin in an effort to showcase the German capital's vitality and modernity. More than 75 years later, award-winning German documentarian Thomas Schadt decided to create his own version with the intention of highlighting the multitude of changes Berlin went through over subsequent decades while still maintaining the very sense of vitality Ruttman captured in his original film. Having gone through a number of dramatic historical events over the years -- including World War II and the rise and fall of Communism -- Berlin was a vastly different city in 2002 than it was in 1927. Filming in black-and-white, Schadt presents Berlin in a day-in-the-life format, beginning in the morning and following the events of the day as they occur. Berlin - Sinfonie einer Grossstadt was selected for a handful of film festivals in 2002, including the highly regarded Berlin International Film Festival.
by Ryan Shriver
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