DE 1931, D, C, E, P Ella Bergmann-Michel, SC Ella Bergmann-Michel, Mart Stam, Print b/w, 35mm, silent, 13 min, DFF - Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum

“Bergmann-Michel’s WO WOHNEN ALTE LEUTE? provides an excellent example of an appropriate solution to the urgent housing question. It shows a model retirement home, built by architect Mart Stam for Frankfurt Main. The film is intended to advance this important topic throughout the world.” (“Neue Filme vom Bauen”, Kunst und Volk, Issue 5, January 1932) The building design was titled “Collective”. Ella Bergmann-Michel is especially interested in the moments of social interaction: like the residents, she permits herself to be guided by the possibilities and departures which the open interior design presents. “A cheerful interweaving of rooms; the windows allow the covered walkways and chat rooms to glide into each other. A promotional film without gimmicks, a filmed primer that combats prejudice.” (Frankfurter Zeitung, 15 January 1932)