The film traces Luxemburg’s political and moral development from journalist and author to dissenter from the party line and imprisoned pacifist. Portrayed masterfully by von Trotta regular Barbara Sukowa (also known from Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Lola), Luxemburg’s character comes alive on screen with more realistic depth and complexity than her public image as a militant revolutionary might lead us believe.

Initially intended to be directed by Fassbinder, von Trotta became obsessed with Luxemburg’s character after his death in 1982. After researching over 2,500 of Luxemburg’s writings and speeches, she completely rewrote the original script and it shows – the final film feels stunningly authentic, her own vision from beginning to end.

Part of The Personal Is Political: The Films of Margarethe von Trotta. The first female director to win the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival, Margarethe von Trotta (1942-) is to thank for some of the most trailblazing films of the past five decades. Often hailed as the world’s leading feminist filmmaker, von Trotta has never shied away from topics that resonate with contemporary lives and prompt revolutionary discussions.

The Personal is Political is a touring programme delivered by the ICO with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from The National Lottery.

This screening will feature an introduction by Rona Murray, a film lecturer and freelance media educator who works on women's authorship in film and television. She is a member of the steering committee for the Women's Film and Television History Network (UK/Ireland).