Dear Audience,
The 25th festival edition is behind us, but literature at the ilb can be heard in fall as well. Since September, we’ve had our very own podcast: »Read, Read, Read«. To mark the festival’s 25th anniversary, we’re sharing highlights from a quarter century of festival history. Immerse yourself in the world of the literature festival and look forward to archival treasures and exciting perspectives from voices across the literary universe.
The brand-new second episode features Werner Herzog and revolves around the question: »Wie viel Wahnsinn braucht die Kunst?« (How much madness does art need?)
Podcast »Read, Read, Read« – Werner Herzog »Wie viel Wahnsinn braucht die Kunst?«
Werner Herzog is not only a renowned filmmaker but also a gifted writer. In the second episode of »Read, Read, Read«, our program director Simone Schröder presents a conversation between Werner Herzog and author Jan Brandt, recorded at the ilb 2023. Starting from his memoir »Every Man for Himself and God Against All«, Herzog talks about his legendary trek to visit his ailing friend Lotte Eisner, about the madness of »Fitzcarraldo«, and why poetry can sometimes be more powerful than facts. Nearly an hour filled with fervor, the abyss, and wit.
Listen to the German language episode on Apple or Spotify.
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In addition, we’d like to draw your attention to the German language book launch of another major filmmaker of a generation of German auteurs:
Reading & Talk
Wim Wenders »Wesentliches«
To this day, Wim Wenders considers writing to be a vital part of his artistic vision: »Erst wenn ich schreibe, kann ich Dinge zu Ende denken.« (Only when I write can I fully think things through.) Alongside readings from his new book »Wesentliches«, he talks with editor Annette Reschke about music as a lifeline, the loving gaze as a guiding principle in filmmaking, and his self-image as a »practicing Romantic«.
Friday, Nov 7, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at Haus der Berliner Festspiele
Reading & Talk Wim Wenders »Wesentliches«
German without translation –
Afterwards, Wim Wenders will be available to sign copies of the book.
Further information and tickets
An event presented by Berliner Festspiele in cooperation with Verlag der Autoren and the international literature festival berlin
Partner Bookstore: Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus
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We value your feedback
How did you experience this year’s festival? Which encounters, conversations, or readings inspired or surprised you? We’d love to hear from you — please take a few minutes to complete our festival survey: Take the survey
With warm regards,
Your ilb-Team