Animation in Germany

This book provides a comprehensive account of German animation history, as well as an analysis of the current state of the industry in competition with American and cheaper international products in the face of dwindling budgets. Covering film and TV, 2D and 3D animation, the book considers how Europe has lost its domestic territory of narratives to international competitors. A connection is made between film history and contemporary history: World War I, the Weimar Republic, National Socialism, World War II, the Federal Republic and German Democratic Republic, Reunification, the European Union, Digitalization and Globalization, and a turn of eras initiated by pandemic, war and inflation. This book will be of great interest to academics, students, and professionals working and researching in the field of animation.

1. Introduction 2. The Golem Anticipates Fantasia Mickey Who? 3. Puppetoons 4. A German Fairy Tale "Disneyfied" 5. Herr Hitler and Mister Mouse 6. The German Sense of Humor 7. The Dangerous Freedom of a Quarter Jew in Magicland 8. Somersault to Dachau 9. The Denazification of German Trick Film 10. Comic Strips in Germany (West and East) 11. Go East 12. Big Tattoo for Little Men 13. Bölkstoff for Preschoolers 14. Star Wars Worship 15. The Essence of Animation in Germany 16. Timetable

Rolf Giesen, PhD, is a German film historian, screenwriter, lecturer, and collector who specializes in VFX and animation. He has shared his knowledge through numerous university and public lectures, cinematheque exhibitions, and monographic, historiographic, and lexicographic books such as Acting and Character Animation. He received the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Animation Studies, 32nd World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb 2022.