Bertelsmann and the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation: Partners in the Preservation of Silent Films

Historic Ufa is a household name among film enthusiasts. In its heyday, it was one of the most important film production studios in the world, giving rise to some of the greatest stars of German cinema. From Fritz Lang and Erich Pommer to Marlene Dietrich and Hildegard Knef, many of the immortal names of cinematic history celebrated successes with unforgotten Ufa classics.
The history of Ufa is part of Germany’s cultural legacy. Bertelsmann acquired Ufa, which had become insolvent after reprivatization, with effect from January 1, 1964. In 1966, the film stocks of historic Ufa were transferred to the newly founded Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation, which is devoted to the preservation of cinematic heritage to this day, and has already completed elaborate restorations of various silent film classics. Since 2013, it has regularly received crucial financial support for its projects from Bertelsmann.

"Carmen"

Ernst Lubitsch’s CARMEN from 1918 is loosely adapted from Georges Bizet’s opera of the same name, and was Lubitsch’s first major production.

"The Fiddler of Florence"

2018 saw the premiere of yet another silent movie classic, again restored with Bertelsmann's support. Paul Czinners "The Fiddler of Florence", restored to former glory, was first shown at Berlin's 2018 UFA Film Nights.

Fritz Lang: Destiny

In 2016, the digitally restored and newly colorized version of Fritz Lang's classic “Der Müde Tod” (Destiny) celebrated its world premiere at the Berlinale Classics, an event at the International Film Festival in Berlin.

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” – A Classic Goes Digital

The classic of expressionist cinema, Robert Wiene's “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” was the first major silent film restoration project Bertelsmann chose to support.