Wednesday 23 August
10am, 2:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm
Director Eva Weber
Documentary
German
German and English (with English subtitles
94 minutes
This engrossing documentary is the astonishing story of how a triple political outsider – a woman, a scientist, and an East German – became one of the most powerful politicians in the world.
For years Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany, was Western Europe’s most influential leader. Yet despite her historic 16-year Chancellorship of Germany, she remains something of an enigma. Clear-eyed, cool-headed, diligent, and methodical, she put her policies first, keeping her personal life private.
From Merkel’s upbringing in East Germany, and studies in quantum chemistry, to her surprising start in politics and fast ascent, this fascinating documentary creates a rich portrait using a vast array of archival material and revealing interviews from friends and colleagues, including journalists, political allies, and critics.
An apt tribute to a political ground-breaker. – The Hollywood Reporter
She may not make the most exciting subject on personality alone, and the film shows that strain, but her remarkable life and accomplishments more than make up for it. – Jude Dry, indiewire