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Berlin/Nilreb: Tourist Journal Alternative Title: Tourist Journal Extent: See the record for "New Television, Episode 501 (1989)" for descriptions of videos containing this work. Copyright Date: 1988 Copyright Holder: Ken Kobland Artist: Kobland, Ken

Background:
"Berlin/Nilreb: Tourist Journal" was aired as a segment of Episode 501, as part of the 1989 "New Television" season.

Scope:
See the record for "New Television, Episode 501 (1989)" for descriptions of videos containing this work.

It is approximately 20 minutes in length. The work depicts the city of Berlin, evoking the experience of the traveler and calling attention to the Berlin Wall, which was removed a year after this work was made. The video shows several events occurring in "real time," such as a film playing on an airplane, children playing soccer in a park, or a nude woman seen lying in bed as her image is reflected in a mirror. Street scenes of contemporary city life and architecture are incorporated with images from Walter Ruttman's 1927 film "Berlin: Symphony of a Great City." At one point, a speech John F. Kennedy gave in 1963 denouncing Berlin serves as a voiceover. The work ends with the clutter of a desk being cleared to reveal a miniature model of the Berlin Wall. Artificial snow falls, covering the model and the room that houses it.

Producer:
Kobland, Ken

Editors:
Kobland, Ken
Feist, Rick (CMX Editor)

Subjects:
Travel
Berlin (Germany)



See Also:
New Television, Episode 501 (1989)

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