The Empty Center
Die Leere Mitte
Synopsis
Steyerl’s film traces the impact of an influx of transnational companies on the city dwellers of Berlin in post-reunification Germany. The effect of the changing economy and politics on the city and its inhabitants is echoed through their physical relocation to its outer edges. In 1990, squatters proclaim a socialist republic on the death strip. Eight years later, the new headquarters of Mercedes Benz are built in the same location. The film makes use of slow super-impositions to uncover a journey across changing architectural and cultural boundaries. "The Empty Centre" tries to give a voice and a history to those who continue to be marginalised by the simultaneous dismantling and reconstruction of the borders which they are trying to cross.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Hito Steyerl
- Original Score
- Felix Mendelssohn, Friedrich Hollaender
- Original Title
- Die Leere Mitte
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 2m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Hito Steyerl
Felix Mendelssohn, Friedrich Hollaender
Evi Stangassinger, Su Turhan
Department Leadership Roster
Hito Steyerl
Director
Evi Stangassinger
Producer
Su Turhan
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Empty Center.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Empty Center
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Empty Center about?
Steyerl’s film traces the impact of an influx of transnational companies on the city dwellers of Berlin in post-reunification Germany. The effect of the changing economy and politics on the city and its inhabitants is echoed through their physical relocation to its outer edges. In 1990, squatters proclaim a socialist republic on the death strip. Eight years later, the new headquarters of Mercedes Benz are built in the same location. The film makes use of slow super-impositions to uncover a journey across changing architectural and cultural boundaries. "The Empty Centre" tries to give a voice and a history to those who continue to be marginalised by the simultaneous dismantling and reconstruction of the borders which they are trying to cross.
Who directed The Empty Center?
The Empty Center was directed by Hito Steyerl.
Who stars in The Empty Center?
The principal cast of The Empty Center includes Dong Yang, Huan Zhu.
When was The Empty Center released and how long is it?
The Empty Center was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 2m.
Who composed the musical score for The Empty Center?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Empty Center was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, Friedrich Hollaender.