When does the performance start?

The performance begins on 2026-09-05 at 18:00:00.

How long does the film evening last?

The indicated runtime is about 95 minutes, ending at 19:30:00.

How much does a ticket cost?

The regular entrance fee is €9.90. The reduced ticket costs €8.50.

Where is the event taking place?

The performance takes place at filmforum Duisburg, Dellplatz 16, 47051 Duisburg.

Is the filmforum wheelchair accessible?

The building is reportedly not wheelchair accessible, and the restrooms are also not suitable for wheelchair users.

How is access by car?

There are numerous parking spaces in the vicinity, as well as a parking garage at Wallstraße 34.

A quiet portrait that brings Paula Modersohn-Becker to life with great cinematic warmth

Name: Who knows what a life is?
Start: 2026-09-05T20:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-05T21:30:00+02:00
Location: filmforum

A cinematic stage experience about Paula Modersohn-Becker in Duisburg

With Who knows what a life is?, an intense portrait of the painter Paula Modersohn-Becker comes to the screen at filmforum Duisburg. The film combines documentary and staging into a clever approach to an artist whose life, work, and self-assertion continue to resonate today.

Between role work and artist portrait

At the center is Katharina Stark, who approaches the character Paula Modersohn-Becker as an actress. This is where the evening derives its tension: It's not merely the retelling that matters, but the process of understanding. The direction reveals layer upon layer, showing how a multifaceted image of a woman ahead of her time emerges from research, performance, and observation.

A fabric full of color, doubt, and determination

Paula Modersohn-Becker lived between Worpswede and Paris, navigating artistic breakthroughs and societal constraints. The film portrays these tensions with a keen eye for dramaturgy and atmosphere. Those who engage with this stage experience will not only encounter an artist portrait but also a reflection on female autonomy, artistic will, and the price of creative freedom.

The filmforum as a fitting place

The filmforum Duisburg provides the right theater atmosphere for this performance in a cinema format: focused, close, and imbued with historical aura. The traditional location in the heart of the city stands for demanding culture, clear acoustics, and an audience that appreciates nuances. A work like this unfolds its special effect here.

What visitors can expect

A smart, atmospherically rich film evening with art historical depth and a strong lead character is anticipated. Who knows what a life is? invites you to see Paula Modersohn-Becker anew and to experience her struggle for expression and self-determination live.