Johnny & Me

by Katrin Rothe
  • 2023 Hanfgarn&Ufer | New Docs
  • 2023 NEW DOCS | Katrin Rothe
  • 2023 NEW DOCS | Katrin Rothe
  • 2023 NEW DOCS | Katrin Rothe
  • 2023 NEW DOCS | Katrin Rothe

    Synopsis

    Bertold Brecht called him one of the most important European artists. Rosa Luxemburg personally handed over the party book to the communist of the first hour in 1918. George Grosz and Kurt Tucholsky are among his closest friends and artistic companions. He gave himself an English name in protest against German warmongering. For the Nazis, however, the father of political photomontage John Heartfield quickly became one of the most dangerous enemies of the state. For years he is a fugitive in Europe, and later finds no safe home even in the socialist GDR.The graphic artist Stephanie, plagued by a creative crisis and self-doubt, is fascinated by John Heartfield‘s work, which she discovers in an exhibition. Through a time tunnel, she ends up in a studio where the artist, who has become a cartoon figure, takes her on a journey through his eventful life. A loving friendship develops between the two colleagues. And Stephanie takes up scissors and paper again.

    Graphic designer Stefanie is having a creative crisis with boring advertising assignments and a boss who does not value her work. During a visit to a museum, she is magically attracted to the satirical photomontages of the world-famous colleague and Nazi opponent John Heartfield. Then a miracle happens, she suddenly turns up in his studio.

    Festivals

    2023
    Festival d’Animation Annecy, France
    FANTOCHE Swiss
    ANIMAGE Brazil
    66 DOK Leipzig, Germany
    33 FFC Cottbus, Germany
    Ciné Open Festival Pontarlier, France
    2024
    14 BJIFF - Beijing International Film Festival