Our new director Dr. Alexander Behrmann reflects on his first four weeks in San Francisco:
My first month as the new director of the Goethe-Institut in San Francisco flew by. Apart from the weather, San Francisco gave me a very friendly welcome. During my first week, it rained non-stop. My first few days in Northern California were dominated by appointments. I wanted to get to know the team, the partners, but of course also the City, especially its cultural landscape. I've already been able to visit a few museums, bookshops and even a reading by a science fiction author. And I won't stop until I've seen them all. And yes, I have already crossed the Golden Gate Bridge by bike and found out that Johnny Funcheap is not a real person. What has impressed me most so far is the variety: the views of the city, the variety of trees and birds, of extraordinary people, works of art and exciting places. Not to mention: the food. My initial meetings included discussions with long-standing partners and introductions to local arts and culture changemakers, all united by the shared goal of continuing to revitalize San Francisco, specifically the Yerba Buena District. We are excited about the many opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and deeper community engagement that lie ahead. However, one highlight of the year has long since been decided. Our Berlin & Beyond film festival is coming up soon. The Festival’s main events will run March 27-29, 2025 at the historic Roxie Theater in San Francisco’s Mission District, and March 30-31, 2025 at Rialto Cinemas? Elmwood in Berkeley. Hope to see you there! BTW. A foretaste of the festival of German and European cinema will soon be available at the Institute: On the occasion of his 80th birthday on March 8, we will be showing “Anselm”, Wim Wenders' documentary about painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer.