Rolf Liebmann (1939–2003) studied dramatic composition at the film school in Babelsberg from 1962 to 66 and went onto work as an editor and critic. When Jürgen Böttcher asked him to collaborate on his film DER SEKRETÄR (The Secretary, 1967), it was the start of Rolf Liebmann's comprehensive career in documentary film. With his inspiring attitude, original ideas and often-provocative approach, he stood for a completely new theory of authenticity in documentary work, which made him a sought-after member of staff for a range of different colleagues and projects. This did, however, require an ability to withstand his working methods, as he was a radical thinker and often a strident critic, thus making him a natural opponent for traditionalists and studio heads. Several of the projects he was most committed to ended up being axed for political reasons. In two film programs attended by several directors, we will be showing a number of films which Liebmann worked on.
