This lavishly illustrated volume tells the story of German film through the collection of the Deutsche Kinemathek. From its beginnings in 1895 to the present day, it illustrates the artistic and technical, political, and social developments that have shaped and continue to shape, the history of film in Germany. Organized by decade and divided into twelve chapters, more than 420 essays explore films both famous and obscure. It celebrates this important cultural medium and its spectators as well as all the personalities who have shaped the diversity of German film through their creativity. More than 2,700 objects from all areas of the collection and spanning a period of around 130 years, many of them published for the first time, provide a comprehensive insight into the Kinemathek's archive holdings and an in-depth understanding of film history.

The DEUTSCHE KINEMATHEK is one of the world's leading institutions for the collection, preservation, and presentation of audio-visual heritage. Hundreds of thousands of objects are permanently preserved in its archives and are available for research into film and television history. In addition to scripts, photos, posters, costumes and designs, the collection also includes film equipment. The Kinemathek curates film series and exhibitions and restores and digitizes films. Its diverse activities, including installations, publications, educational formats, and conferences, encourage visitors to discover the world of moving images.