Berlinale 2025: The lecturers behind Köln 75
Two lecturers from BIMM University Berlin’s schools of music and film will feature in the programme for the 75. edition of Berlin’s International Film Festival (more commonly known as the Berlinale) with the film Köln 75.
The film, directed by Brookyln-based director Ido Fluk, will celebrate its world premiere as part of the festival’s Berlinale Special Gala programme.
Based on real events, Köln 75 tells the story of how seventeen-year-old Vera Brandes unwittingly became responsible for creating one of the best-selling jazz records of all time: Keith Jarrett’s, The Köln Concert.
Köln 75 produced by MA Screen & Film Production lecturer’s production company
Köln 75 was produced by One Two Films, a Berlin production company run by Sol Bondy (MA Screen & Film Production lecturer) and Fred Burle.
Recognised by Variety in 2018 as a ‘Producer to Watch’, Sol, as part of One Two Films, focuses on feature films for the international market. Ten One Two Films co-productions have had cinematic releases, including the Cannes-award-winning Holy Spider (2022).
Alongside Köln 75, the One Two Films feature Peter Hujar’s Day—directed by Ira Sachs (Passengers) and starring Ben Whishaw—will also feature in the Berlinale programme, selected for the Panorama section.
“We could not have imagined a better place to premiere Köln 75 than at the 75. Berlinale! The Berlinale Special Gala programme is where distributors are most likely to find films for a broad audience, and we hope that many international buyers will take interest. On top of that, the Berlinale is a great launch pad for the theatrical release in Germany, will will happen on March 13.”
Sol Bondy on Köln 75’s Berlinale selection
Köln 75’s score by Songwriting and Music Production lecturer, Yak Bondy
Alongside Sol’s work on the film, a second BIMM University Berlin lecturer’s name will appear in the credits, namely Songwriting and Music Production lecturer, Yak Bondy.
Yak, who has taught at BIMM University for over a decade, composed incidental music for several scenes in the film, ranging from bar jazz and soul to edgy proto-punk.
“I am very excited to have my music heard at this year’s Berlinale. While many people associate my name with writing and/or producing songs for artists such as the Spice Girls, Annie Lennox and Mark Morrison, my career began in film and TV, working for clients such as Disney and Pokémon. I am thrilled to have played a part in telling this incredible story that represents a defining moment in jazz (and German) music history.
Yak Bondy, Songwriting and Music Production lecturer
Where to see Köln 75
Full details of Köln 75’s Berlinale screening dates and locations will be available from 4. February here.
Following the world premiere at the Berlinale, Köln 75 will be available in German cinemas from 13. March. Details on international distribution will follow.
Photo: Wolfgang Ennenbach / One Two Films
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