The Story of Documentary Film – Mark Cousins visits the Kinemathek

‘The Story of Documentary Film’ traces the history of this film genre, from its beginnings to the present day, in over 12 hours. In it, Mark Cousins, who underwent decades of research, re-examines key documentary works. Besides well-known classics, the series also presents lesser-known films and new discoveries from around the world. Cousins will appear at the Kinemathek to present chapter five of his film, in which he examines the 1960s from an anti-imperialist perspective, among other things. Questions raised include: Who tells the story? And from which perspective, when and why? Key works are featured, such as ‘Der Lachende Mann’ (The Smiling Man) by Walter Heynowski and Gerhard Scheumann, as well as the ‘Third Cinema’ of the Global South, the moon landing and Andy Warhol’s intimate experimental film ‘Sleep’.

‘The Story of Documentary Film’, GB 2026, director: Mark Cousins, DCP, English OV, 60 mins

Featuring: Mark Cousins (director)
Presenter: Heleen Gerritsen (Artistic Director, Deutsche Kinemathek)