GOETHE FILMS: Isle of Dogs

Presented by the Goethe-Institut, TIFF Cinematheque & Cinespace Studios x Studio Babelsberg

Hollywood, made in Germany: Discover how legendary Studio Babelsberg has been bringing Wes Anderson's meticulous vision to life. Through three of his most iconic films, the series reveals why the American cult director —with his fifth Babelsberg collaboration The Phoenician Scheme in cinemas— keeps returning to this centre of excellence just outside of Berlin to harness the highest production value to build his universe. This is also the success story of Cinespace Studios, just voted best global Studio of the Year, acquiring one of Europe's largest and oldest film production houses in 2022. “Wes Anderson, Made in Babelsberg” celebrates the master director as well as Studio Babelsberg’s unique art department with some of the world’s best trained craftspeople, creatives and innovators, now contributing to Cinespace’s international reputation.
 
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Isle of Dogs (2018), and The French Dispatch (2021) showcase the marriage of Anderson's signature worlds with Babelsberg's century-old craftsmanship. Industry experts and Anderson collaborators illuminate the beloved auteur’s approach in a panel conversation and through recorded introductions. A German book club contextualizes Wes Anderson’s fascination with Stefan Zweig, the mid-century Austrian writer who influences his narrative structure and aesthetic sensibility, alongside a Wes Anderson and German film history reading room at the Goethe-Institut.

This special edition of GOETHE FILMS, the Goethe-Institut Toronto’s signature film program at the TIFF Lightbox, is a collaboration with Cinespace Studios x Studio Babelsberg and part of TIFF Cinematheque's winter program.

Oct 15, 2025, 6pm

"ISLE OF DOGS" (Germany/USA 2018, 101min)

By Wes Anderson, starring Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Greta Gerwig, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Scarlett Johansson, Harvey Keitel, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, and others

With a recorded introduction by Berlinale Chief of Staff Florian Weghorn

Preceded by the stop motion and 2D hand-painted animation short film Freshwater (Canada 2025, 2'53") by OCAD U graduate Olivia Wilyman.

Set in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy's odyssey in search of his lost dog. This stop-motion marvel required a completely new workflow for its animation department. Each meticulously crafted puppet and set piece was handmade, utilizing both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology. The miniature unit based at Studio Babelsberg and led by Wes Anderson’s trusted prop and model maker Simon Weisse constructed more than 30 detailed miniature sets that became the film’s tactile, authentic backdrops.

Opened the 68th Berlin International Film Festival, where Anderson was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Director
Winner of 34 awards & nominated for two Academy Awards

"So effortlessly cinematic and inventive, it's best in show.” — Richard Crouse
"A feat of animation worthy of your marvel.” — New Musical Express

Oct 2, 2025, 6pm
Film: "THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL"

Oct 21, 2025, 6:30pm
Film: "THE FRENCH DISPATCH"

Sep 25, 2025, 6pm
Book Club: "Die unsichtbare Sammlung"

Sep 22 - Oct 23, 2025, 10am
Reading Room: "Wes Anderson Salon"

Oct 2, 2025, 2025, 6pm
Panel: "Crafting Wes Anderson's World"